Easter Cookie Bars

Name: Easter Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 0.5 cup mini marshmallows

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Okay, friends, listen up because I’m about to share something truly magical. What are some of the best Easter desserts? We’re talking about **Easter Cookie Bars**, the kind of treat that makes everyone, young and old, happy. Light up with joy. Think of it as the Easter version of those classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, but oh-so much more delicious. Is it fun to be festive? What are some of the most addictive foods? I promise, once you try them, they’ll become an Easter tradition!

What are Easter cookie bars?

What are Easter Cookie Bars? What is the best sugar cookie you have ever had? Is it a giant, soft-baked cookie, jam-packed with colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips and whipped cream? Eggs, and any other Easter-themed candy you can find! The base is buttery and vanilla-y, almost like a shortbread but much softer. Then, you load it up with all the festive goodies. What are some alternatives to decorating sugar cookies? Is it stressful to have a helper in the kitchen?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to eat these Easter Cookie Bars?

Flavor explosion: WhatThe buttery cookie base perfectly complements the sweetness of the candy. What is the secret ingredient of vanilla and almond extract? Is there a symphony of flavors in every bite?
Ridiculously easyIs this one of those recipes where you dump everything into a bowl, mix, and bake? No chilling the dough, no rolling, and no cookie cutters. What are some last minute Easter treats?
Budget friendlyWhat are some pantry staples for Easter candy? Find on sale after the holiday! I actually made a batch once using leftover Halloween candy, and they were just as delicious – shhh, so good! Don’t tell anyone!
Super versatile: IsCan you customize these bars with your favorite Easter candy? I’ve made them with lemon extract for a citrusy twist and they were amazing. What are some ideas for adding cream cheese frosting to a cake?

What I love about this recipe is how foolproof it is. You really can’t mess it up! And unlike some other cookie recipes, these bars stay soft and chewy for days. I dare you to try and not eat the whole pan in one sitting. What are some good alternatives to cookies? What do you make, like blondies?

How do you make Easter cookie bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make Easter Cookie Bars? How do you make cookie dough, fold in Easter candy, bake until golden brown? What is the best way to make a sweet glaze? The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are absolutely stunning. What are some of the best treats to impress your friends and family?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What is the main reason

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is truly soften, but not melted. What should I put my finger into?
34 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps spread cookies.
34 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a chewy texture. I love using light brown sugar, but you can use dark brown for a richer flavor.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
What is the best vanilla flavor? I always use pure vanilla extract, but imitation vanilla will work in a pinch.
What is the secret ingredient of almond extract? What are some of the best flavors to try?
2 14 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement. Too much flour will make cookies dry.
What is the best way to use baking soda in cookies?
12 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

For the Filling:

1 cup Easter sprinkles: Use a mix of different shapes and colors for the most festive look. How do I use a jimmie, nonpareil, and sanding sugar?
1 cup mini chocolate eggs: 1 tsp. I love using Cadbury Mini Eggs, but you can use any type of mini chocolate egg you like.
12 cup pastel-colored M&Ms: These add a pop of color and have an addictive crunch.

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: Sift the powder to remove any lumps.
14 cup milk: Add the milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
12 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze.
Assorted sprinkles, for garnish: Because more is always better!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have an overhang on the sides of a pan, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal. I always do this – it’s a lifesaver!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to whisk it well to distribute the baking soda evenly. This will ensure that cookies rise properly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If it looks curdled, don’t worry, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Be careful. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the Easter sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, and pastel-colored M&Ms. Mix well. Where the fun starts? What are some of the best Easter candy? What are some good ways to add chopped nuts to a salad?

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Gently fold the Easter candy mixture into the Cookie Dough. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down gently to create an even surface. I like to reserve a few extra candies to sprinkle on top before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. comes out with a few moist crumbs. How long does it take to bake cookies? If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important, otherwise the frosting will melt. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with assorted sprinkles. I love using a piping bag to drizzle the glaze in a decorative pattern.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, cut the cookies into bars and serve. I like to use a sharp knife to cut the bars into neat squares. These **Easter Cookie Bars** are best served at room temperature, but they can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

What to Serve It With

These **Easter Cookie Bars** are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats and beverages:

For Breakfast: Enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to your Easter morning. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent.
For Brunch: Serve the bars alongside other brunch favorites like quiche, fruit salad, and yogurt parfaits. They make a beautiful addition to any Easter brunch spread. I like to arrange them on a platter with fresh flowers and pastel-colored napkins.
As Dessert: Offer the bars as a dessert option after your Easter dinner. They’re a lighter alternative to heavy cakes or pies. I always make sure to have a variety of desserts to choose from, so everyone can find something they love.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a bar with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy evening snack. They’re perfect for snuggling up on the couch and watching a movie. My kids love to eat them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

My family always has these after our Easter egg hunt. It’s tradition now!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easter Cookie Bars

Here are some tips to help you make the best **Easter Cookie Bars** ever:

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. The butter should be soft enough to easily press your finger into, but not melted. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to cream, and if it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too thin.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Candy Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the Easter candies throughout the dough. This will ensure that every bar is packed with deliciousness. You can also reserve a few extra candies to sprinkle on top before baking.
Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies and check them frequently. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.
Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important, otherwise the frosting will melt. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle, but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

I messed these up *so* many times when I first started making them. Don’t be discouraged if yours aren’t perfect the first time!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store and reheat your **Easter Cookie Bars**:

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best consumed within the first 24 hours, but they’ll still be delicious for a few days after that.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cookies may become slightly harder in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for easy snacking.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars for more than a day or two, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. The glaze can become sticky or melt if stored for too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The texture might be slightly different – a little less chewy, perhaps – but the flavor will still be spot on. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

There’s no zucchini in this recipe silly!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for cookie bars, you could definitely adapt it to make muffins! You’d need to adjust the baking time, though. Start by filling muffin liners about 2/3 full and baking for around 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough by about 1/4 cup. You could also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture of the cookies. For the glaze, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, there are plenty of other options! You could simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar, or spread them with a layer of cream cheese frosting. You could also drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

These **Easter Cookie Bars** are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of spring, family, and deliciousness. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a casual treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. If you love these, you might also enjoy my chocolate chip cookie recipe. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your creations! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turn out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!

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