Step-by-step instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create your icing.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring of your choice.
Once cooled, spread the icing over the cookie bars.
Decorate with the mini chocolate eggs and sprinkle the pastel sprinkles on top.
Allow the icing to set before slicing into bars.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars are best served fresh at room temperature. You can cut them into squares for easy sharing, and they look stunning when plated on a colorful Easter-themed dish. Pair them with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. They are perfect for festive brunches or as an after-dinner treat to sweeten up your holiday celebrations!
Storage and reheating tips
Storing your Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars is a cinch! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, these cookie bars freeze beautifully! Just slice them into squares, place them in freezer-safe containers, and they can last up to three months in the freezer. Allow them to thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again. Always ensure that the decorations are kept intact before freezing to maintain their festive look.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:
- For softer bars, be careful not to overbake them; the edges should be golden, but the center might appear slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Letting the bars cool completely before icing is crucial for a smooth finish.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues that won’t alter the icing consistency.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Swap out the chocolate eggs for colorful jelly beans or gumballs for a different candy effect.
- Experiment with different icing flavors by incorporating almond extract or lemon juice instead of vanilla to create unique taste profiles.
FAQs
How long do these bars take to make?
These bars usually take about 15-20 minutes to prepare, followed by a baking time of 18-20 minutes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’ll still achieve a delicious result.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months in freezer-safe containers.
These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars will bring a festive spirit to your table and satisfy sweet cravings, making them the best part of your holiday celebrations!
