Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Bars

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for both the sugar cookie bars and the frosting. You likely have many of these in your pantry already, making this recipe not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (preferably pastel shades like pink, blue, yellow, or lavender)

For Decoration:

• Mini chocolate eggs (ideal for a nest effect)
• Pastel-colored sprinkles (nonpareils or confetti sprinkles work great)

These simple ingredients come together to form the foundation of the perfect sugar cookie bars—tender, sweet, and ready to be decorated in the most festive way.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start baking! Follow these simple steps to create a tray of Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the cookie bars bake evenly and develop that golden brown edge while staying soft in the middle. Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cookie bars after they’ve cooled, and the parchment helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as the creaming of the butter and sugar creates a tender base for the cookie bars. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.

Once the butter and sugar are well incorporated, add 1 large egg and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients into the mixture until smooth and fully combined. The vanilla will provide a lovely fragrance and flavor to the bars.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder and salt) are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix—just mix until everything is well incorporated, and you’re ready to go!

Step 5: Press the Dough into the Pan

Once your dough is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the dough into the corners and edges. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook. You’ll want them to remain soft and chewy in the center, not too firm.

Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here—don’t rush the cooling process, as this will make frosting much easier.

Making the Frosting: A Creamy, Sweet Touch

While your sugar cookie bars are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting. This simple, creamy frosting will be the perfect topping for your cookie bars and will add that pastel pop of color that makes them so festive.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be spreadable but not too runny.

Step 8: Add Color

Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. You can go for soft pastel shades like pink, blue, yellow, or lavender to capture the spirit of Easter. Mix well until the colors are fully incorporated.

Decoration Tips: How to Make Your Cookie Bars Truly Festive

Now comes the fun part—decorating your Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars! This is where you can really get creative and bring out the charm of the season.

Step 9: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the surface. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can alternate frosting colors in sections to create a beautiful, rainbow-like effect. The soft pastel colors will look lovely against the pale sugar cookie base.

Step 10: Add the Mini Chocolate Eggs

Take mini chocolate eggs and arrange them in clusters on top of the frosted bars to resemble little nests. These eggs add a fun, playful element to the cookies and are perfect for the Easter theme.

Step 11: Sprinkle with Pastel Nonpareils

Finish off your cookie bars by sprinkling them with pastel-colored nonpareils or confetti sprinkles. These little pops of color make your cookies even more festive and Instagram-worthy!

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Once you’ve decorated the bars, cut them into squares, and they’re ready to serve. Arrange them on a platter or dish for a beautiful presentation at your Easter gathering.

Storage Tips: Keep Your Cookie Bars Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store your Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to Your Spring Celebrations

These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect way to celebrate the spring season, whether you’re hosting an Easter party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with family. Soft, chewy, and bursting with pastel colors and festive decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the scent of fresh-baked cookies fill your home. Happy baking, and may your Easter be filled with sweetness, joy, and plenty of delicious treats!

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