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Easter Sugar Cookie Bars with Coconut Frosting and Festive Toppings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 117 reviews

Celebrate Easter with these festive Easter Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and chewy cookie base loaded with colorful sprinkles and topped with creamy coconut frosting and green-dyed coconut flakes. Finished with charming Easter Peeps and jelly beans, these bars are a delightful seasonal treat perfect for sharing at spring gatherings.

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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with baking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined, then set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until evenly combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
  6. Stir in Sprinkles: Fold in the confetti sprinkles until just incorporated, giving your dough a fun, festive look.
  7. Press Dough and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-24 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Make Coconut Frosting: While the bars cool, beat the softened butter in a stand mixer or large bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix to combine.
  9. Add Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip the frosting on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
  10. Frost Bars: Carefully lift the cooled cookie bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Spread the coconut frosting evenly over the top of the bars.
  11. Dye Coconut Flakes: Place the sweetened coconut flakes in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, add a few drops of green food coloring, seal, and toss until the coconut is evenly dyed green. Add more drops if needed to reach desired color.
  12. Cut and Decorate: Cut the frosted bars into 12 equal pieces. Sprinkle the green-dyed coconut flakes over each bar to mimic Easter grass.
  13. Add Final Decorations: Place an Easter Peep on top of each bar and garnish with jelly beans. Serve immediately and enjoy this festive treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
  • Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  • Dye the coconut flakes with food coloring sparingly to achieve a natural grass-like look without oversaturating.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep frosting fresh longer.

Keywords: Easter, Sugar Cookie Bars, Coconut Frosting, Easter Dessert, Festive Treat, Peeps, Holiday Baking

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/easter-sugar-cookie-bars-with-coconut-frosting-and-festive-toppings-recipe/