If you’re on the hunt for a festive, delightful treat that instantly brings a burst of joy to your Easter celebrations, look no further than this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are a spectacular combination of soft, buttery cookie base topped with a luscious coconut cream frosting dotted with colorful sprinkles and adorable Easter candies. It’s the perfect balance of tender texture and vibrant fun, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself. Plus, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, so even if you’re not a baking pro, you’ll feel like a superstar in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Easter Cookie Bars Recipe plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the fluffy, sweet cookie base to the creamy, tropical frosting that tops it off, these simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a mouthwatering treat.
- 3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft chewiness of the cookie bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light, tender crumb in the cookie dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough without becoming cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, making the base tender and flavorful.
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the dough together and add moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a delicate, nutty note that pairs beautifully with the coconut.
- 1/4 cup confetti sprinkles: Brings cheerful pops of color right into the cookie bars.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting creamy and smooth.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1/4 cup cream of coconut: Infuses the frosting with luscious coconut flavor and silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract: Amplifies the tropical coconut vibe in the frosting.
- Pinch of table salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness.
- 1 & 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes: Adds wonderful chewy texture and more coconut flavor on top.
- Green food coloring: Used to tint the frosting for a fun, grassy Easter effect.
- Easter peeps or Easter candy: Perfect for decorating and making the bars festive and adorable.
- Jelly beans: Another colorful topping option that brings both sweetness and texture.
How to Make Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a large rectangular baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in the confetti sprinkles for that lovely festive touch.
Step 2: Bake the Cookie Base
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy inside. Once baked, let the cookie base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Coconut Cream Frosting
While the cookie base is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a clean bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until you achieve a fresh, springtime shade of green that reminds you of grassy Easter fields. The frosting should be thick enough to spread but still creamy and smooth for easy application.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookie base has completely cooled, spread the coconut cream frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Immediately sprinkle sweetened coconut flakes generously over the frosting for extra texture and tropical flavor. Then go wild with your favorite Easter peeps, jelly beans, or other colorful Easter candies to create a festive presentation that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
The Easter Cookie Bars Recipe shines brightest when topped with festive garnishes. Sweetened coconut flakes add delightful chewiness, while jelly beans and Easter peeps bring eye-catching bursts of color and playful shapes. You can also sprinkle a few more confetti sprinkles on top to enhance that cheerful, celebratory vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are perfect on their own as a sweet treat but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness with refreshing notes. Coffee or tea are wonderful companions too, complementing the buttery, coconut flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Use pastel-colored plates or Easter-themed cupcake liners to serve individual bars for a charming presentation. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and skewer them with decorative toothpicks to create Easter dessert kabobs. Displaying them on a tiered cake stand adds a touch of elegance that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even an Easter brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the soft cookie base and creamy frosting fresh. If you’re in a warmer climate, refrigeration can help maintain the frosting’s texture, but bring the bars back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie bars either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost. If you freeze after frosting, wrap them carefully to prevent the frosting from drying out and thaw gently in the fridge.
Reheating
Since these bars are meant to be enjoyed soft and cool from the fridge, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer a warm treat, gently warm a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Be careful not to melt the frosting, or you can scrape it off before warming and add fresh frosting afterward if desired.
FAQs
Can I use different extracts instead of almond and coconut?
Absolutely! While almond and coconut extracts enhance the unique flavor profile of this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe, you can substitute them with lemon, orange, or even peppermint extracts to create your own twist. Just remember to start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the dough or frosting.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try swapping with a trusted gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture. It’s best to choose a flour blend formulated for baking for the best outcome.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you would need to substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil, replace eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, and use powdered sugar that’s certified vegan. The flavors and texture might change slightly, but it’s definitely possible with a few tweaks.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the bars stay fresh for about 3 days. Refrigerating can extend their shelf life up to 5 days, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Can I use other types of sprinkles or decorations?
Yes! Feel free to use any type of festive sprinkles, edible glitter, or holiday-themed candies to decorate. This recipe is very flexible and designed to accommodate whatever colorful decorations make you happiest and fit your Easter celebration.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe is like creating a little springtime celebration you can eat in every bite. The combination of soft, buttery cookie and creamy coconut frosting dotted with joyful colors makes it a standout dessert that’s sure to become a beloved tradition. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brightens your Easter gatherings with both flavor and cheer!
Print
Easter Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the Easter season with these delightful Easter Cookie Bars, featuring a soft buttery base loaded with festive sprinkles and topped with a creamy coconut frosting. Perfectly sweet and colorful, these bars are an easy treat to share with family and friends during the holiday.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup confetti sprinkles
Coconut Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cream of coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- Pinch of table salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- Green food coloring (as needed)
Decorations
- Easter peeps or Easter candy
- Jelly beans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and table salt to combine evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the confetti sprinkles to evenly distribute the colorful bits throughout the dough.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Coconut Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Add green food coloring as desired and mix well.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the coconut frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle the sweetened coconut flakes over the frosting for texture and flavor. Finish by decorating the top with Easter peeps, jelly beans, or other Easter candies.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
- You can substitute the almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the granulated sugar slightly but note it will affect sweetness.
- Use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes according to taste; unsweetened will be less sweet.
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Store bars in a cool place to maintain texture, especially if using candy toppings that can melt.
