St Patricks Day Rainbow Bars

St. Patrick's Day calls for something sweet, colorful, and utterly delightful—and these Rainbow Cookie Bars deliver on every front. Imagine buttery, chewy bars studded with white chocolate chips and bursting with festive rainbow sprinkles in shades of green, gold, and every color of the rainbow. These bars are a celebration in every bite, combining the nostalgic joy of sprinkle-laden treats with the irresistible richness of white chocolate. Whether you're hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, packing lunchbox treats, or simply craving something fun and festive, these easy-to-make bars are sure to bring smiles all around.

Save to Pins

What makes these bars truly special is their versatility and foolproof nature. The base is a classic blondie-style batter enriched with melted butter and a blend of granulated and brown sugars for depth and moisture. The rainbow sprinkles add pops of color and a hint of sweetness, while the white chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy indulgence. These bars come together in under an hour from start to finish, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or impromptu baking sessions with kids.

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: Transfer to pan

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 the best results, allow your melted butter to cool for a few minutes before adding it to the sugar mixture—this prevents the eggs from scrambling when mixed. When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle and stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour; overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. If you want a more pronounced sprinkle flavor throughout, reserve a few tablespoons of sprinkles to press gently into the top before baking. For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, and let the bars cool completely—warm bars tend to crumble more easily.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These rainbow cookie bars are wonderfully adaptable. Swap the white chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. For a more intense St. Patrick's Day theme, use only green and gold sprinkles, or add a few drops of green food coloring to the batter for a subtle tint. If you prefer a thicker bar, bake the batter in an 8x8-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5–7 minutes. You can also stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or drizzle the cooled bars with melted white chocolate and top with extra sprinkles or small shamrock candies for an over-the-top festive look.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these vibrant bars as a standalone treat with a cold glass of milk, or stack them on a platter for a colorful dessert table centerpiece. They're perfect alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and they travel beautifully in lunchboxes or care packages. For a festive party presentation, arrange the bars on a tiered stand and garnish with fresh mint leaves or gold foil shamrocks. You can also serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If you're hosting a St. Patrick's Day gathering, pair these bars with other green-themed treats like mint brownies or pistachio cookies for a coordinated spread that's as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Save to Pins

These St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Cookie Bars are proof that baking doesn't have to be complicated to be impressive. With their vibrant colors, rich buttery flavor, and delightful pops of white chocolate, they're a treat that brings joy to bakers and eaters alike. Whether you're celebrating Irish heritage, simply embracing the festive spirit, or looking for a fun weekend baking project, these bars are a guaranteed hit. So preheat that oven, grab your rainbow sprinkles, and get ready to create a batch of pure, colorful happiness that's perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bars come out moist?

Use melted butter and avoid overmixing the batter when folding in dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and moist.

→ Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

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

→ What pan size is best for baking these bars?

A 9x9-inch baking pan is recommended to achieve the ideal thickness and bake time.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I add extra decoration for celebrations?

Drizzling melted white chocolate or adding small themed candies like shamrocks enhances the festive look and flavor.