Description
These Easter Sugar Cookie Bars feature a soft, sprinkle-loaded cookie base topped with a creamy coconut frosting and festive green-dyed coconut flakes. Finished with Easter Peeps and jelly beans, they make an adorable and delicious holiday treat perfect for spring celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For The Cookie Base:
- 3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 & ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract, optional
- ¼ cup confetti sprinkles
Coconut Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cream of coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 1 & ½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- green food coloring
- Easter Peeps
- Jelly beans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with baking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air and ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in vanilla extract and optional almond extract until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Incorporate Sprinkles: Gently fold the confetti sprinkles into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Press Dough and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Coconut Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Beat softened butter in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Add Coconut and Flavoring: Mix in the cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides, then whip on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy and light.
- Frost the Bars: Use the parchment paper to lift the cooled cookie bars out of the baking dish. Spread the coconut frosting evenly over the top of the bars.
- Color Coconut Flakes: Place the sweetened coconut flakes in a large gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add a few drops of green food coloring, seal the bag, and shake or toss it until the coconut is evenly dyed green. Add more color if needed to reach desired shade.
- Slice and Garnish: Cut the frosted cookie bars into 12 even squares for easier serving. Sprinkle the green-dyed coconut flakes generously over each piece.
- Add Easter Decorations and Serve: Top each slice with one Easter Peep and scatter jelly beans around as a festive garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, colorful presentation.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to ensure the cookie bars remain tender and soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting so the frosting does not melt.
- You can substitute cream of coconut with coconut milk mixed with a little sugar if necessary, but cream of coconut offers better texture and sweetness.
- Green food coloring can be adjusted to your preferred shade for the dyed coconut.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Easter sugar cookie bars, Easter dessert, sugar cookie bars, coconut frosting, festive cookies, holiday baking, confetti cookie bars