Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake, you’ll enjoy these cookie bars! They combine the same refreshing mint flavor with a chewy cookie base and a rich frosting. Perfect for anyone looking to add a fun, green touch to their St. Patrick's Day treats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon mint extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Green gel color

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon mint extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 6 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• Green sanding sugar
• 1 - 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries with stems

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with foil and spray it with non-stick baking spray.
2. Beat the butter and sugars together until creamy. Add the egg and extracts, then beat again.
3. Stir in the baking powder, salt, and half the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Gradually add the rest of the flour and mix until well incorporated.
5. Add green gel food coloring, adjusting the amount until you achieve your desired green color.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat together the butter, extracts, salt, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
9. Spread the frosting on the cooled bars, then sprinkle with green sanding sugar and top with a maraschino cherry.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookie bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes

Variations

• For a more intense mint flavor, increase the amount of mint extract.
• You can swap out the maraschino cherries for sprinkles or edible glitter if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookie bars in an airtight container for 4-5 days. They will actually soften over time. If you need to freeze them, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw before adding the frosting and decorations.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring gives a more vibrant color with less liquid, but regular food coloring can be used as well.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Peppermint extract has a stronger, more holiday-specific flavor, so it might overpower the taste. Stick to mint extract for the best results.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The cookie bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, feel free to use cream cheese frosting or even chocolate frosting for a different twist.

How long can I store these bars?

They can be stored for 4-5 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be baked and stored in an airtight container before frosting. Frost just before serving.

Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

You can use a smaller pan but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Do these bars freeze well?

Yes, the bars freeze well when unfrosted. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add other decorations besides cherries?

Yes! Sprinkles, colored sugar, or even chocolate chips would be a great addition.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to use butter, but margarine can be substituted if needed.

Conclusion

These Shamrock Shake Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun, festive, and minty twist on the classic St. Patrick’s Day treat. With a chewy, soft base, creamy frosting, and green and cherry decoration, these bars will be a hit at any celebration. Whether you're serving them for a party or enjoying them yourself, they're sure to bring a smile to everyone!