Easter Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup pastel blend M&M’s (plus extra for decorating)
• 2 tablespoons Easter-themed sprinkles
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots (patted dry)
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting
• 9 carrot-shaped décor candies
• 1/3 cup chopped freeze-dried strawberries (plus more for garnishing)
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 4 Peeps Marshmallow Bunnies, chopped into bits
• 1/3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 Peeps Marshmallow Bunnies, for garnishing
• 1/2 cup Cadbury Mini Eggs, chopped
• 12 Cadbury Mini Eggs for pressing on top
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• powdered sugar, for dusting
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, for garnishing