Easter is all about pastel colors and sweet treats, and these Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars bring both in the most delightful way. The soft, buttery sugar cookie base perfectly balances the gooey, melty marshmallow swirls, creating a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The vibrant Peeps add a festive touch, making these bars a must-have for any spring gathering.
Not only are these bars delicious, but they are also incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. The magic happens when the Peeps melt and swirl into the cookie dough, giving it a dreamy, colorful look that screams Easter. Whether you’re making them with kids or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to bring joy to your holiday table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (16.5 oz) tube of pre-made sugar cookie dough
- 8 Peeps marshmallow candies (various colors)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 8×8-inch square baking dish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cut the sugar cookie dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange Peeps in different colors over the cookie dough.
- Break the remaining half of the dough into small chunks and scatter over the Peeps.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and use a non-stick sprayed spatula to swirl the softened Peeps on top (avoid pressing into the bottom crust).
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cut into squares using a butter knife coated with non-stick spray.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving | Servings: 9 bars
Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars: A Fun and Colorful Easter Dessert
Spring is in the air, and Easter celebrations are just around the corner! If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and easy-to-make dessert that screams springtime joy, look no further than Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars. These colorful, gooey, and delicious treats combine the sweetness of classic sugar cookies with the marshmallow goodness of Peeps, creating a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is tasty.
Whether you’re preparing treats for an Easter gathering, baking with kids, or just satisfying a seasonal sweet tooth, these bars are the perfect addition to your holiday menu. They bring together vibrant pastel colors, a buttery cookie base, and a soft, chewy texture, making them an irresistible springtime dessert.
Why Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars Are the Perfect Easter Treat
Peeps marshmallows are an Easter staple, loved by children and adults alike. Their bright colors, sugary coating, and soft texture make them perfect for crafting creative holiday desserts. Instead of just eating Peeps on their own, this recipe transforms them into something even more special by baking them into a sugar cookie base.
Here are a few reasons why Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars deserve a spot on your Easter dessert table:
- Festive Appearance: The pastel swirls created by the melted Peeps make these bars a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Easy to Make: Using pre-made sugar cookie dough keeps the recipe simple and stress-free, perfect for busy holiday preparations.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: This is an excellent baking project for kids, as they can help arrange the Peeps, swirl the colors, and enjoy the creative process.
- Soft, Sweet, and Chewy: The combination of sugar cookie dough and melted Peeps creates an incredibly soft and gooey texture with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Customizable: You can switch up the Peeps flavors and colors, add chocolate chips, or experiment with different cookie dough variations.
A Brief History of Peeps Marshmallows
Peeps have been a beloved Easter candy for decades. First created in 1953 by the Just Born candy company, these marshmallow chicks were originally handmade and took 27 hours to make! Over time, the production process improved, and today, millions of Peeps are enjoyed every Easter season.
While Peeps have evolved into bunnies, eggs, and other seasonal shapes, the classic chick remains the most popular. Thanks to their pillowy texture and bright colors, they have become a favorite ingredient in creative baking recipes, including these sugar cookie bars.
How to Customize Your Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily customize it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few creative ways to make this dessert your own:
1. Choose Your Favorite Peeps Flavors
Peeps come in a variety of flavors, including:
- Classic Marshmallow (the original yellow, pink, blue, and purple)
- Cotton Candy
- Party Cake
- Fruit Punch
- Chocolate-Dipped Peeps
Mixing different flavors can add extra depth and uniqueness to your sugar cookie bars!
2. Add Chocolate or Candy Mix-Ins
For an extra touch of decadence, try adding some chocolate chips, white chocolate drizzle, or crushed candy to your bars. Chocolate pairs wonderfully with marshmallows and adds a rich, creamy contrast to the sweet sugar cookie base.
3. Use Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough
If you prefer making desserts from scratch, you can replace pre-made cookie dough with a homemade sugar cookie base. This allows you to control the sweetness and texture while adding your own personal touch to the recipe.
4. Try Different Cookie Dough Flavors
For a unique twist, experiment with different cookie dough flavors:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – For a classic chocolate-mallow combination.
- Funfetti Cookie Dough – Adds a fun, colorful element with sprinkles throughout.
- Brownie Batter Dough – For a richer, fudgy version of these bars.
5. Make Them Gluten-Free
If you have dietary restrictions, use gluten free sugar cookie dough to make these bars Celiac friendly. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free cookie dough options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
Baking Tips for Perfect Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars
To achieve the best results, keep these simple baking tips in mind:
Preheat the oven properly – Ensuring that your oven reaches the correct temperature before baking helps the cookie dough bake evenly.
Don’t overmix the melted Peeps – Swirling the melted Peeps too much can cause the colors to blend together into a single shade instead of creating vibrant pastel swirls.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting – Refrigerating the bars after baking helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into clean squares.
Use a butter knife with non-stick spray – Peeps marshmallows can be sticky, so lightly coating your knife with non-stick spray prevents sticking when slicing the bars.
Store properly for freshness – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to maintain the best texture.
How to Serve Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- At Easter brunch – Arrange them on a dessert platter alongside other spring-themed treats.
- As a gift – Wrap them in a festive box or bag and give them as sweet Easter gifts to friends and family.
- With ice cream – Warm up a square and serve it with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Paired with hot chocolate – Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect combination of sweet flavors.
Conclusion
Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a treat they’re a fun, festive experience that brings joy to any Easter celebration. From their pastel swirls to their chewy, marshmallow filled goodness, they capture the essence of spring in every bite.
With their easy preparation, customizable variations, and kid friendly appeal, these bars are a must try recipe for anyone looking to create a memorable Easter dessert. Whether you’re baking them for an Easter party, a family gathering, or just because you love Peeps, these colorful bars will surely bring smiles and sweetness to your holiday table.
So, grab your favorite Peeps, roll out the cookie dough, and get ready to bake a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Happy Easter and happy baking!