There is nothing quite as joyful as baking and sharing a sweet treat with loved ones during the festive season. That’s why I am beyond excited to share this delightful Easter Cookie Bars Recipe with you. These bars combine the best of soft, buttery cookie layers studded with colorful sprinkles, topped with a creamy, coconut-infused frosting, and finished with vibrant Easter candy decorations. They are the perfect balance of tender, chewy, and creamy textures with playful pops of flavor and color that bring the spirit of Easter right to your plate. Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, an after-dinner treat, or a festive gift, these cookie bars are sure to brighten your celebration and hearts.

Easter Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easter Cookie Bars Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavor, texture, and vibrant appearance. Every item on the list has a special role, from the sturdy all-purpose flour that forms the base to the sweetened coconut flakes that add a tropical chewiness to the frosting.

3 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and makes these bars tender but sturdy enough to hold all the goodness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough to be soft and fluffy without crumbling.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works along with baking powder for the perfect texture and slight lift.
1/2 teaspoon table salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making the cookie bars tender and flavorful.
1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a slight chewiness.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bars’ moistness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the base cookie dough.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that pairs beautifully with vanilla and coconut.
1/4 cup confetti sprinkles: Brings cheerful pops of color and fun to the dough—Easter-ready!
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the creamy base for the luscious topping.
3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection while keeping it smooth.
1/4 cup cream of coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor for a creamy, rich frosting.
1 teaspoon coconut extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor, making the frosting irresistibly fragrant.
Pinch of table salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
1 & 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes: Adds texture and chewy bursts of coconut in each bite.
Green food coloring: Used to tint the frosting for an Easter grass effect under your candy decorations.
Easter Peeps or Easter candy: Your favorite colorful candies to decorate and bring festive joy.
Jelly beans: Another fun and colorful Easter topping that adds sweetness and crunch.

How to Make Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this step is crucial for tender yet chewy bars. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Lastly, fold in the confetti sprinkles gently to keep the colors bright and intact throughout the dough.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Base

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the frosting. Cooling is important so the frosting stays smooth and doesn’t melt.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps. Pour in cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until smooth and fluffy. Now, stir in the sweetened coconut flakes for a chewy texture. Add green food coloring little by little until you reach your desired Easter grass shade—it’s easier to add more than to fix if you go too dark!

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the coconut frosting evenly over the top. Be generous to create a thick layer that tastes just like the perfect coconut cloud. Immediately decorate with Easter Peeps, jelly beans, or any other festive candies. The colorful decorations add the perfect whimsical touch that makes these bars irresistible and celebrations-ready.

How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To keep things fresh and festive, the Easter Cookie Bars Recipe is perfect with simple garnishes like pastel-colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or seasonal shredded coconut tinted with different food colorings. These not only add texture but also amp up the visual excitement to get everyone’s attention.

Side Dishes

Because these bars are delightfully sweet and rich, they pair amazingly well with light accompaniments such as fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert experience that feels truly indulgent yet balanced. A cup of tea or coffee is also an ideal match to complement the buttery, coconut flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming Easter gathering, present these cookie bars cut into neat squares on a rustic wooden board or tiered dessert stand. You can also wrap individual bars in colorful parchment paper tied with ribbon as charming gifts. Another idea is placing them in a decorative Easter basket lined with shredded green paper for a playful “nest” effect that’s as cute as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the frosting soft and the bars tender. If you prefer a firmer frosting texture, a brief refrigeration works too but allow the bars to come back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

If you want to prep early, these bars freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, so the frosting stays intact and creamy.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed as a cool, frosted treat, reheating is not necessary. However, if you like your bars slightly warm, you can microwave a single serving for 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to melt the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I make this Easter Cookie Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder to keep the texture just right.

What if I don’t have cream of coconut?

You can replace cream of coconut with sweetened coconut milk, but note that cream of coconut is thicker and sweeter, so your frosting may be slightly less rich and flavorful.

Can I use different extracts instead of coconut extract?

Yes, vanilla or almond extract can be used if you want a different twist, but coconut extract really makes this recipe shine with that signature Easter flair.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

With a few ingredient swaps—like vegan butter, egg replacer, and a dairy-free powdered sugar—you can definitely create a vegan version, though the texture may vary slightly.

How long do these cookie bars last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a truly delightful Easter Cookie Bars Recipe that brings warmth, color, and festive fun to any table. These bars are a joyful celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing or gifting during this special season. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and watch how it brightens your Easter spread and creates sweet memories with family and friends alike!

Easter Cookie Bars Recipe

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3.8 from 48 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Easter Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for spring celebrations. Featuring a soft, buttery base with a hint of almond and vanilla, topped with sweet coconut frosting and colorful sprinkles, these bars bring festive flavors and bright colors to your dessert table. Easy to prepare and cut into perfect squares, they’re ideal for sharing during Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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 desired)

Decorations

Easter Peeps or Easter candy
Jelly beans

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line 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. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract for added depth of flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the confetti sprinkles gently to distribute evenly.
Bake the cookie bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the coconut frosting: While the cookie bars bake, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the cream of coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Toast coconut flakes: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sweetened coconut flakes for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Frost the cooled bars: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, spread the green coconut frosting evenly over the top.
Decorate: Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes evenly over the frosting. Arrange Easter Peeps, jelly beans, or other Easter candies on top for a festive presentation.
Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty note to the bars.
Green food coloring can be adjusted based on your preferred shade for the frosting.
To toast coconut flakes evenly, keep stirring frequently and watch closely to avoid burning.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days and even freeze well for longer storage.
Substitute vegan butter and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American