St. Patricks Day Rainbow Bars

St. Patrick's Day calls for something sweet, cheerful, and bursting with color—and these Rainbow Cookie Bars deliver all three in every buttery, sprinkle-studded bite. Imagine pulling a golden-edged bar from the pan, each piece dotted with creamy white chocolate chips and festive rainbow sprinkles that capture the playful spirit of the holiday. These bars are wonderfully simple to make, requiring just one bowl for mixing and minimal fuss, yet they look absolutely showstopping on any dessert table. Whether you're hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, packing treats for a school celebration, or simply craving something bright and delicious, these cookie bars bring joy with their vibrant appearance and irresistible flavor. The combination of brown and granulated sugars creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the melted butter ensures each bar stays soft and tender. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a festive treat that everyone will love.

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What makes these cookie bars truly special is their balance of flavors and textures. The vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness, while the white chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy richness throughout. The rainbow sprinkles not only add a festive pop of color but also provide a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy base. Unlike traditional drop cookies that require portioning and spacing, these bars are spread into a single pan and cut after baking, making them an efficient choice when you need to feed a crowd. The parchment paper overhang ensures easy removal and clean slicing, giving you perfectly uniform bars every time. With their cheerful appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor, these Rainbow Cookie Bars are destined to become a St. Patrick's Day tradition in your home.

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 oven

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 the 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: Form the batter

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

Step 5: Add the 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 slice

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing it with the sugars to prevent the eggs from cooking when added. When folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, avoid overmixing—stir just until no flour streaks remain to ensure tender, soft bars rather than tough ones. Distribute the batter evenly in the pan using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for uniform thickness and even baking. Reserve about 2-3 tablespoons of the sprinkles to scatter on top before baking, as this creates a beautiful, colorful crust. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing; this prevents them from crumbling and helps them hold their shape. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices or use a plastic knife, which often cuts through soft bars more cleanly than metal.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cookie bars are wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and occasions. For a richer chocolate experience, substitute the white chocolate chips with semisweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips. If you want to emphasize the St. Patrick's Day theme even more, use only green and gold sprinkles, or add a handful of mini chocolate shamrock candies to the batter. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars and top with additional sprinkles or edible gold dust. To make these bars even more indulgent, swirl in 1/4 cup of Nutella or peanut butter before baking for marbled flavor pockets.

Serviervorschläge

These Rainbow Cookie Bars are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a festive green mint hot chocolate for a complete St. Patrick's Day treat. Arrange the bars on a platter decorated with shamrock napkins or green ribbon for a party-ready presentation. They're perfect for dessert tables, classroom celebrations, potlucks, or bake sales. For an extra-special dessert, serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbon to give as party favors or gifts. These bars travel well and stay fresh, making them ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or care packages.

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These St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert—they're a celebration in every bite. With their vibrant colors, buttery texture, and pockets of sweet white chocolate, they capture the festive spirit of the holiday while remaining simple enough for any home baker to master. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds. The bars store beautifully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time, and they're sturdy enough to transport to parties without falling apart. From the first colorful sprinkle to the last crumb, these cookie bars bring joy, sweetness, and a touch of luck to your St. Patrick's Day festivities. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats that are sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Recipe Guide

→ What makes these bars colorful?

Rainbow sprinkles are used throughout the bars and on top, adding bright, festive colors that create a cheerful look.

→ Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

Yes, semisweet or milk chocolate chips can be used for a different flavor profile while maintaining the texture.

→ What type of flour is recommended?

All-purpose flour provides the right structure and texture for these bars.

→ How should the bars be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to retain freshness.

→ Is there a way to add extra decoration?

Drizzling melted white chocolate or adding small shamrock candies enhances both flavor and appearance.