St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

These St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookies bake into soft bars in a 9-by-13-inch pan, then get topped with green almond frosting and sprinkles. Cool the bars completely before frosting so the buttercream does not melt.

Why Make St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies

The bar format is simpler than rolling and cutting individual cookies. The green frosting and sprinkles make them easy to decorate for a holiday table. The recipe uses almond extract in the frosting; adjust or omit it if needed.

Ingredients

• 1 c. butter (softened at room temperature)
• 2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 5 c. flour
• 5 c. powdered sugar
• 1 c. butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 6 Tbsp milk
• green food coloring
• St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles

How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

Make the bars

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined.
4. Mix in the salt and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.

Make and spread the frosting

1. Beat the remaining 1 cup softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar.
3. Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract and the milk. Mix until smooth and spreadable, adding the remaining almond extract to taste.
4. Add green food coloring a little at a time until you reach the shade you want.
5. Spread over the cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles. Let the frosting set before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature with milk, tea, or coffee. These sugar cookies are easy to arrange as bars on a party platter.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the bars sit briefly at room temperature before serving. Freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator.

Tips for Neat Sugar Cookies

• Let the butter soften, but do not melt it.
• Press the dough into an even layer so the bars bake consistently.
• Cool the bars completely before frosting.
• Use gel food coloring for a stronger color without adding much liquid.
• If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time.

Variations

Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus note. Vanilla or mint extract can replace some or all of the almond extract. The recipe is written as bars; individual cookies require a different bake time and spacing. For more ideas, see cinnamon roll bliss bars. For related guidance, read cookie decorating tips from King Arthur Baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it soften enough to press into the pan before baking.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to taste.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar, but that will make the frosting softer. Add it gradually and stop when the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Can I use another color?
Yes. Use any food coloring and sprinkles that suit the occasion.

How do I cut clean squares?
Chill the frosted bars briefly, then cut with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

These soft and sweet green sugar cookies are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, decorated festively with green frosting and sprinkles.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 squares
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 c. butter (softened at room temperature)
• 2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 5 c. flour
• 5 c. powdered sugar
• 1 c. butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 6 Tbsp milk
• green food coloring
• St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream 1 cup softened butter with 2 cups sugar until light.
3. Add 4 eggs and 2 tsp vanilla. Mix well.
4. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
5. Gradually add 5 cups flour until the dough forms.
6. Press dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until edges are light golden.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
9. Beat 1 cup softened butter in a bowl until smooth for the frosting.
10. Add 5 cups powdered sugar a little at a time.
11. Add 1/4–1/2 tsp almond extract and 6 Tbsp milk. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
12. Mix in green food coloring until desired color is achieved.
13. Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars.
14. Sprinkle St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles on top.
15. Let frosting set, then cut into squares.

Notes

Ensure bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting. Use gel food coloring for vivid color without extra liquid.