Easter brings a lot of joy, warmth, and togetherness. It is the kind of holiday that gathers people around the table, not just for meals but for memories. One way many families celebrate is by baking sweet treats. Among those, Easter cookie bars have become a favorite. They are colorful, soft, chewy, and full of all the festive fun that defines spring. These bars are the kind of dessert that kids look forward to and adults enjoy just as much. They come together with minimal effort and are almost impossible to mess up, even if you are not much of a baker.
These cookie bars offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor. You get the chewiness of a classic cookie, the ease of a single-pan dessert, and the colorful charm that fits the Easter theme perfectly. They look beautiful on a dessert table, and they taste even better. Whether you want something simple to whip up for a party, or you just want a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these bars fit the bill.
The best part is that you can get creative. The base recipe is easy and forgiving, which means you can add your favorite mix-ins and decorations without worrying about ruining the final result. Want to swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate? Go ahead. Prefer mini eggs over pastel M&M candies? That works too. No matter how you customize them, these Easter cookie bars always come out delicious.
So whether you are planning a family brunch, packing a picnic, or just looking for something sweet to make with the kids on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this recipe will never let you down. It is straightforward, fast, and packed with the kind of bright, cheerful flavors that make Easter feel so special.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list for these cookie bars is refreshingly simple. You probably have most of what you need already sitting in your pantry. If not, everything can be picked up in one quick trip to the store. These are everyday baking ingredients that come together to create something fun and festive.
You will need:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White chocolate chips
- Pastel M&M candies or similar
- Festive Easter sprinkles
These ingredients work together to give the bars a soft center, slightly crispy edges, and a flavor that is rich but not too sweet. The colorful candies and sprinkles bring the festive touch, while the white chocolate chips melt into creamy pockets of sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup | 1600 |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup | 830 |
| Granulated Sugar | 0.5 cup | 400 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons | 25 |
| All Purpose Flour | 2.5 cups | 1140 |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Salt | 0.5 teaspoon | 0 |
| White Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | 800 |
| M&M Candies | 1 cup | 900 |
| Sprinkles | 0.25 cup | 200 |
Total estimated calories for the full batch: around 6035
Calories per bar if cut into 24 squares: around 250
These values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands you use, but this gives a clear idea of the energy content in each bar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This will help the bars lift out easily once they are baked and cooled.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step creates the creamy base that gives the bars their soft texture.
Next, add in the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Now your wet mixture is ready.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix at this point.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and most of the M&M candies. Leave a small handful of M&M’s to press on top later. This makes them stand out on the surface and gives the bars a colorful, finished look.
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Then press the remaining M&M’s and some sprinkles on top.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. You can store them in an airtight container for up to five days, but they rarely last that long.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change up. If you want a different twist, try using dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. You could also try butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a totally new flavor.
For a nutty version, add chopped pecans or walnuts. They bring a nice crunch and help balance the sweetness. If you are a fan of coconut, shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and tropical flavor.
Make it gluten free by using a one to one gluten free flour blend. It works well in this recipe and keeps the same chewy texture.
If you want to make this recipe for other holidays, just change the candy colors. Red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
The recipe is also great for kids to help with. Let them mix the dough, spread it in the pan, or decorate the top with candies and sprinkles. It is a fun and interactive way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is around 250 calories, depending on how you cut them and what ingredients you use. Here is a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
These bars are a treat, so they are on the indulgent side. But for a special occasion like Easter, they are absolutely worth it.
Serving Suggestions
These Easter cookie bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair nicely with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. Serve them after brunch or as part of a dessert tray. They also make a great edible gift. Wrap a few in a clear bag and tie with a pastel ribbon for a sweet homemade present.
If you are hosting an Easter party, arrange them on a platter with mini cupcakes and chocolate eggs. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm bar for a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
Easter cookie bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert. They are simple to make, fun to customize, and always a hit with both kids and adults. They offer that chewy, sweet, soft texture that makes people go back for seconds. The bright candies and festive sprinkles make them a cheerful treat to look at and eat.
Whether you are baking for a big family meal or just want something special to enjoy over the weekend, this recipe will never disappoint. Keep it in your collection, and it is sure to become an annual tradition.