Can I make these bars without Peeps if they're not in season?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work perfectly as a substitute. For that colorful effect, you can use mini marshmallows in different colors or add a few drops of food coloring to white marshmallows before placing them on the cookie base.

Why did my Peeps puff up too much and overflow during baking?

This can happen if your baking dish is too small or if you used too many Peeps. Make sure you're using an 8x8 or 9x9-inch dish, and stick to about 8 Peeps total. Also, keep an eye on them during the first baking phase – if they're puffing too much, you can prick them with a toothpick to release some air.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Definitely! If you prefer homemade dough, use your favorite sugar cookie recipe. You'll need enough dough for approximately 24 regular-sized cookies to equal the amount in a store-bought tube.

Why are my cookie bars too soft even after cooling?

The marshmallow center keeps these bars somewhat soft by design, but if they're too gooey, they might need additional baking time. Every oven is different, so next time try adding 2-3 minutes to the final baking time. Also, make sure you're allowing them to cool completely and then chill in the refrigerator as directed.

Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Description

These Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate colorful and fun treat, perfect for any festive occasion. With a base of buttery sugar cookie dough and vibrant Peeps melted into the mix, these bars are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or want a sweet treat for your family, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cookie Dough

16.5 oz tube of sugar cookie dough (found in the refrigerated cookie area of any grocery store)

Peeps

8 Peeps (more or less as desired)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a square baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
Prepare Cookie Dough Base
Separate the tube of cookie dough into two equal halves. Press one half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
Layer Peeps
Arrange Peeps in various colors over the cookie dough layer. Feel free to use more or fewer depending on your preference.
Add Top Layer of Dough
Break the remaining half of the cookie dough into chunks and scatter them over the Peeps layer.
Bake Initial Layer
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. While the dish is baking, coat a spatula with nonstick spray to prepare for the next step.
Twirl and Mix Peeps
Remove the dish from the oven. Using the prepared spatula, gently swirl and mix the melted Peeps. Ensure you do not push down into the bottom cookie dough “crust.”
Finish Baking
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes, or until the sugar cookie dough is golden brown.
Cool and Chill
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. Then, place it in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up for easy cutting.
Cut and Serve
Use a butter knife coated with nonstick spray to cut the cookie bars into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can use different Peeps shapes or colors for holiday-themed variations.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 210
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 160
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg