St Patricks Day Rainbow Bars

There's something magical about celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a dessert that's as cheerful and vibrant as the holiday itself. These St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cookie Bars bring together buttery, golden layers studded with white chocolate chips and a cascade of rainbow sprinkles in festive greens, golds, and every color of the rainbow. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl for the wet ingredients and simple folding to bring everything together. Whether you're hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, packing treats for a school celebration, or simply craving something sweet and festive, these cookie bars deliver joy in every bite. The combination of rich butter, two types of sugar, and vanilla creates a soft, chewy texture that's absolutely irresistible.

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What sets these rainbow cookie bars apart is their simplicity paired with stunning visual appeal. The batter comes together in minutes, and the final result looks like you spent hours decorating. The white chocolate chips add creamy sweetness that balances perfectly with the buttery cookie base, while the rainbow sprinkles provide festive color and a subtle crunch. The technique of reserving some sprinkles to top the bars before baking creates a beautiful, professional-looking finish that will impress everyone who sees them. Best of all, these bars can be customized to match any celebration—simply swap the sprinkle colors to fit your occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (130 g) white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (80 g) rainbow sprinkles, divided (use green, gold, and rainbow for St. Patrick's Day theme)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pan and preheat

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add mix-ins

Stir in the white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup of the rainbow sprinkles.

Step 6: Prepare for baking

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure your melted butter has cooled to room temperature before adding it to the sugars. This prevents the eggs from cooking when mixed in and ensures a smooth, cohesive batter. When folding in the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars instead of the soft, tender texture you're looking for. The parchment paper overhang is essential for easy removal; once the bars are completely cool, simply lift them out of the pan using the paper as handles, then slice into even squares on a cutting board. If your toothpick comes out with wet batter rather than just moist crumbs, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes and check again.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cookie bars are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For extra festivity, drizzle cooled bars with melted white chocolate and decorate with small shamrock candies. If you prefer a different chocolate flavor, substitute the white chocolate chips with semisweet or milk chocolate chips. For a more intense vanilla flavor, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or use vanilla bean paste. You can also experiment with different sprinkle combinations—try all green sprinkles for a more traditional St. Patrick's Day look, or use gold and green exclusively for an elegant touch. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Serviervorschläge

These rainbow cookie bars are perfect for serving at St. Patrick's Day parties, potlucks, or as an after-school treat. Arrange them on a festive platter with green napkins for a stunning presentation. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, Irish coffee, or hot chocolate. For an indulgent dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbon for party favors or gifts. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

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These St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cookie Bars are proof that festive baking doesn't have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a gorgeous final result, they're destined to become a holiday favorite in your home. The soft, buttery texture combined with sweet white chocolate and cheerful sprinkles creates a dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, these bars bring a touch of rainbow magic to any St. Patrick's Day gathering. So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowls, and get ready to create a batch of colorful, irresistible cookie bars that everyone will love.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes these bars festive for St Patricks Day?

The combination of green, gold, and rainbow sprinkles along with creamy white chocolate chips lends a colorful and celebratory touch perfect for the holiday.

→ How can I ensure the bars bake evenly?

Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal and bake at 350°F (175°C) until edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

→ Can the white chocolate chips be substituted?

Yes, semisweet or milk chocolate chips can be used as alternatives to white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

→ What texture do these bars have once baked?

They have a moist, tender crumb with slightly chewy edges, balancing softness from the butter and sugars with the crunch of sprinkles.

→ How should the bars be stored to maintain freshness?

Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to preserve their texture and flavor.