Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! It’s that magical time of year when everything turns a lovely shade of green, and the festive spirit is in full swing. I absolutely adore whipping up these shamrock shake sugar cookie bars because they capture all the joy of the classic shamrock shake in a delicious, easy-to-share dessert. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the kids were bouncing around with excitement, and the adults couldn’t resist sneaking a few bars themselves! They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect treat for any celebration. Trust me, once you serve these bars at your next get-together, you’ll be the star of the party. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make some magic happen in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful shamrock shake sugar cookie bars. I promise, it’s a straightforward list that will have you baking in no time!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives the bars that rich, buttery flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar – For that sweet touch that makes these bars irresistible.
1 cup powdered sugar – It adds a lovely softness and sweetness to the dough.
2 large eggs – These bind everything together and add moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for depth of flavor!
1 teaspoon almond extract – This adds a lovely nutty note that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie bars.
1 teaspoon baking powder – To help these bars rise just right.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon green food coloring – For that festive shamrock hue!
1 cup chocolate chips – I love using semi-sweet for a delightful contrast.
1/2 cup green sprinkles – These make the bars look extra festive and fun!

How to Prepare the Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Ready to get those ovens preheating? Let’s dive in! Making these shamrock shake sugar cookie bars is as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive goodness in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your dough is ready to go!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—trust me, you want that airiness!
Next, crack in those two large eggs and add the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well until everything is combined and deliciously creamy.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent!
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want to keep those bars tender!
Time for the fun part! Stir in the green food coloring, chocolate chips, and sprinkles until they’re evenly mixed throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I love using a spatula to get it nice and even!
Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely before cutting into bars. This helps them set up perfectly!

And there you have it! Simple, right? Just try not to nibble too much on the dough—it’s pretty irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

It’s super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
The vibrant green color brings a festive touch to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Soft, chewy texture with a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
You’ll have a generous batch—24 bars to share (or keep for yourself, no judgment here!).
They’re customizable, so you can add your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
These bars are a hit with both kids and adults; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Tips for Success

To ensure your shamrock shake sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that light golden edge around 25 minutes. If you want an extra minty kick, adding 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract is a delicious option. When it comes to storage, these bars are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long! You can also freeze them for a sweet treat later on—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!

Variations of the Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re feeling adventurous, let’s mix things up a bit with these fun variations of the shamrock shake sugar cookie bars! For a different flavor experience, try swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips—they add a lovely sweetness that complements the green coloring beautifully. You can also throw in some chopped mint candies or even crushed Oreos for a delightful crunch. Want to enhance the shamrock shake vibe? Just add a bit of mint extract along with the almond for that refreshing flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these bars truly your own!

Nutritional Information

These shamrock shake sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat, and here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 bar):

Calories: 180
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 12g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portions, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these shamrock shake sugar cookie bars? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it should still work fine.

How do I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—just wrap them individually!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!

What if I don’t have green food coloring?
No worries! You can skip it for a more subtle look, or use a little matcha powder for a natural green hue.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Not at all! Feel free to swap them for white chocolate chips or even dried fruit for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your shamrock shake sugar cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor!

Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for Festive Fun

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive treat inspired by the classic shamrock shake, these sugar cookie bars are soft, sweet, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Stir in the green food coloring, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
Spread the dough evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
For a minty flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
Feel free to substitute white chocolate chips for a different taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: shamrock shake, sugar cookie bars, St. Patrick's Day, dessert recipe

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