Introduction to ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that brings a touch of Irish magic to your dessert table with every single bite. If you are looking for a way to celebrate the holiday without the fuss of individual cookies, these thick, chewy, and decadently sweet bars are the perfect solution. They combine the classic comfort of a chocolate chip cookie with the ease of a pan-baked blondie, all while being dressed up in vibrant green hues to match the spirit of the day.
When we think of March 17th, we often think of parades, folklore, and the search for that elusive pot of gold. While we might not find a leprechaun in the kitchen, these ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars certainly taste like a treasure found at the end of a rainbow. The combination of browned butter, high-quality chocolate, and festive sprinkles makes these bars a standout at any gathering, whether you are hosting a large party or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. By baking them in a single pan, you achieve a level of moisture and density that is hard to replicate in standard drop cookies. Every edge piece is slightly crisp, while the center remains gooey and rich. According to The History of St. Patrick's Day, the holiday has evolved from a religious feast to a global celebration of culture, and what better way to celebrate culture than through the universal language of chocolate and joy?
Why You’ll Love It
You will fall in love with these ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars because they offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The addition of brown sugar gives them a deep, caramel-like undertone that perfectly complements the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Furthermore, the visual appeal of the green M&Ms and sprinkles ensures that they are the star of any St. Paddy’s spread. It is a recipe that bridges the gap between traditional baking and festive creativity.
Another reason to adore these ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is their incredible shelf life. Unlike some desserts that dry out quickly, these bars stay soft for days thanks to the precise ratio of fats to sugars. They are also incredibly easy to transport, making them the go-to choice for school potlucks or office celebrations. If you enjoyed the festive vibes of The Most Magical St. Patrick’s Day Mint Bundt Cake That Will Melt Your Soul, you will certainly find these bars to be a mandatory addition to your repertoire.
Ingredients
To create the perfect ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you will need the following high-quality ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup green M&Ms or festive sprinkles
- Green gel food coloring (optional)
Notes and Substitutions
If you want to customize your ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you can easily swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chunks. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works beautifully here. If you are a fan of mint, adding a 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract alongside the vanilla provides a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with the green theme. For more inspiration on holiday baking, check out The Most Magical St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies That Will Melt Your Soul.
Equipment
Making ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars requires only a few kitchen essentials. You will need a 9x13 inch baking pan, parchment paper for easy removal, a large mixing bowl, and a sturdy spatula. An electric hand mixer or stand mixer is recommended to ensure the butter and sugars are creamed to perfection, which is the secret to that iconic chewy texture.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9x13 pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the green M&Ms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and top with the remaining M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing.
Pro Tips
For the best ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, avoid overbaking. The bars will continue to set as they cool in the pan. If you want a truly professional look, save a handful of chocolate chips and M&Ms to press into the top of the dough right before it goes into the oven. Using room temperature eggs ensures they emulsify better with the fat, leading to a more consistent crumb structure throughout the bar.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve these ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer, fudgier texture. You can also experiment with a 'Pot of Gold' variation by adding butterscotch chips or edible gold luster dust to the top of the bars after baking for a truly legendary finish.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 14g |
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion
These ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face this March. With their rich flavor and festive appearance, they are the ultimate celebration of the holiday. Happy baking, and may the luck of the Irish be with you in the kitchen!
FAQs
Can I make these ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them 1-2 days in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
How do I ensure the green color stays vibrant after baking?
To keep the festive green popping in your ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, use high-quality gel food coloring and mix it thoroughly into the butter and sugar mixture before adding dry ingredients.
Can I freeze these cookie bars for later?
Absolutely! Wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick festive treat.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A thick, chewy, and festive cookie bar loaded with chocolate chips and green St. Paddy's Day flair.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup green M&Ms
Green gel food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream butter and both sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and a drop of green food coloring.
Step 4: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture.
Step 5: Fold in chocolate chips and half of the green M&Ms.
Step 6: Spread dough into the pan and press the remaining M&Ms on top.
Step 7: Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden.
Step 8: Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature but not melted for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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