Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars combine soft sugar cookie dough with melty, colorful Peeps to create a fun, festive Easter treat. This recipe is fast, uses minimal ingredients, and yields vibrant bars perfect for spring parties, kids’ activities, and holiday dessert tables.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars
These Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars offer a chewy cookie base with a gooey, colorful swirl that feels joyful and warm. Also, the colors pop beautifully after baking, so every bar looks like a mini celebration. Kids love the bright marshmallow top, while adults enjoy the nostalgic sweetness. Meanwhile, the short prep time keeps things relaxed during busy Easter weekends. You only need a few tools, which helps the process feel simple and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sugar Cookie Base
A 16.5 oz tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough creates a soft and chewy foundation. Also, this dough holds its shape well, so your bars bake evenly and stay tender. The classic flavor blends perfectly with melty Peeps.
Peeps Marshmallows
Use Peeps in any spring colors you love. They melt quickly and swirl into a glossy, vibrant topping. In fact, mixing several colors gives your bars a fun rainbow effect. Their soft texture helps them spread beautifully during baking.
Non-Stick Items and Tools
You only need non-stick cooking spray, an 8×8 inch baking dish, a spatula, and a butter knife. These simple tools help the bars release cleanly and slice smoothly.
How to Make Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars
Prepare the Pan and Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray the 8×8 inch dish well. Press half the sugar cookie dough into the bottom of the pan, and make sure it covers the surface evenly.
Layer the Peeps and Remaining Dough
Place about 8 Peeps over the dough so every bite gets some color. Then break the remaining dough into small pieces and scatter them across the top. This layering helps create chewy pockets throughout the bars.

Swirl, Bake Again, and Cool
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the pan, spray a spatula, and gently swirl the softened Peeps across the top. Keep the swirl light so it stays on the surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 12 minutes until golden and cooked through. Next, cool fully at room temperature. Refrigerate for one hour so the bars firm before slicing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bars
Chill the bars before cutting to keep them intact. Also, spray your knife so it glides through the sticky marshmallow top. Keep the swirl on the surface for neat, colorful layers. As a result, your bars slice cleanly and look picture perfect.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Serve them for Easter brunch, kids’ parties, bake sales, or spring gatherings. They also make cute gifts when wrapped in clear treat bags. Pair them with fun seasonal sweets like this festive Easter brownies recipe or a pretty layered Easter trifle dessert. These combinations help round out any holiday spread beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator so the bars stay firm. They keep well for several days, and chilling helps the colors stay bright. Also, you can make these ahead of time, which makes holiday prep easier.

Recipe At-a-Glance
Total time is about 30 minutes with 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking. The recipe yields 9 bars in an 8×8 inch dish. You only need a spatula and a butter knife for swirling and slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Peeps high in sugar?
Yes, Peeps are very high in sugar, and their sweetness becomes stronger when they melt.
What is the secret to a good sugar cookie?
Chill the dough and bake just until the edges set so the center stays soft and tender.
Do Peeps have beef or pork gelatin?
Most Peeps use gelatin that usually comes from pork.
What is the best store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Many bakers choose classic refrigerated sugar cookie dough because it bakes evenly and stays soft.
More Such Recipes
- Easter blossom cookies
- Strawberry fluff salad
- Banana pudding truffles
- Easter egg cheesecake
- Coconut custard cake

Conclusion
These Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars bring together bright colors, soft cookie layers, and simple steps that make Easter baking feel joyful and easy. Also, the familiar Peeps flavor creates a nostalgic moment with every bite. If you want more inspiration, check out the latest seasonal ideas on Pinterest and follow along on Facebook for fresh spring desserts that keep the celebration going.
Print
Easter Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
Soft, colorful, and festive Peeps Sugar Cookie Bars made with simple sugar cookie dough and melty Peeps for the perfect Easter dessert.
Ingredients
16.5 oz tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
About 8 Peeps in various colors
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray
3. Press half the cookie dough evenly into the dish
4. Place Peeps evenly over the dough
5. Break remaining dough into pieces and scatter over Peeps
6. Bake for 8 minutes
7. Remove from oven and lightly swirl softened Peeps with a sprayed spatula
8. Return to oven and bake for 12 minutes or until golden
9. Cool completely at room temperature
10. Refrigerate for one hour to firm
11. Slice using a butter knife sprayed with non-stick spray
Notes
Chilling before slicing helps the bars stay intact
Spraying the knife prevents sticking
Store leftovers in the refrigerator
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Easter Desserts Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
