Festive Easter Cookie Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Sugar Cookie Bars

01 - ¼ cup colorful sprinkles (optional)
02 - ½ tsp table salt
03 - 2 tsp pure vanilla
04 - 1 big egg
05 - ½ tsp baking powder
06 - ¾ cup room temperature unsalted butter
07 - 2 ½ cups regular all-purpose flour
08 - 2 tbsp milk of choice
09 - 1 cup white sugar
10 - ¼ tsp almond essence (optional)

→ Frosting

11 - ½ cup butter, softened
12 - A few drops of pastel gel food coloring (pink, blue, or purple)
13 - 2 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
15 - 1 tsp vanilla flavoring

→ Toppings

16 - Candy eggs (choose solid or speckled styles)
17 - Rainbow sprinkles, small ones
18 - Optional: Shimmery edible glitter or pearl dust

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rectangular 9x13-inch pan with parchment for easy removal.
02 - Combine your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and give it a good whisk.
03 - Use a large mixing bowl to beat the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
04 - Mix in the egg, then throw in your vanilla and almond extract. Stir till everything’s blended well.
05 - Carefully stir the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Add milk if needed to get the dough just right.
06 - If you're using sprinkles, fold them in gently to spread them throughout the dough.
07 - Press the dough evenly over the pan, making sure it’s level.
08 - Pop it into the oven for 18–22 minutes. Take it out once the edges start to turn golden. Completely cool before moving forward.
09 - Whip the butter in a bowl till creamy, slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and your choice of milk or cream. Mix till it’s smooth and soft.
10 - Separate the frosting into small batches and mix in food coloring to make soft pastel shades.
11 - Cover the cooled bars with frosting, smoothing it with a flat spatula or similar tool.
12 - Top with candy eggs and sprinkle on colorful nonpareils. Glitter or a pearl dust shimmer is optional for extra sparkle.
13 - Give the bars a quick fridge chill to firm up the frosting. Cut into squares and dig in.

# Notes:

01 - Let all your ingredients sit at room temperature before starting for smoother results.
02 - You can keep these bars fresh for five days if you tuck them into an airtight box.

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