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Mint Chip Frosted Bars

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These Mint Chip Frosted Bars combine a soft, buttery base with a refreshing mint chip frosting, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they offer a nostalgic comfort with a fresh minty twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (90g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup (45g) mini mint chocolate chips
  • Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes with a mixer.
  3. Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly mixed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake the bars for 25-28 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let bars cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  8. While bars cool, beat ½ cup softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, until spreadable consistency is reached.
  9. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring if desired. Fold in ¼ cup mini mint chips gently.
  10. Once bars are fully cooled, spread the mint chip frosting evenly over the top. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.
  11. Cut into 2-inch squares (about 24 bars) and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Use softened butter (soft enough to press with a finger but not melted) for best creaming results. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to keep bars tender. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Chill after frosting to set and make slicing easier. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Start with less peppermint extract and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint chip bars, frosted bars, St. Patrick's Day dessert, mint chocolate dessert, easy bars recipe, holiday treats

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/mint-chip-frosted-bars-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-st-patricks-day-treats/