Growing up, my family always celebrated the Fourth of July with yummy treats and fun desserts. This recipe for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars became a favorite of ours. They’re super easy to make, and I love getting my kids involved in the kitchen, decorating them with sprinkles. Every time we make these bars, I’m reminded of those joyful family moments, and I hope you experience the same with yours.
These cookie bars are perfect for any festive occasion, especially Independence Day! They are colorful, delicious, and sure to be a hit among family and friends. Gather your loved ones and make some sweet memories!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and requires simple ingredients.
- Perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
- Tasty and satisfying with a delightful sprinkle touch.
- Great for kids; they love decorating and enjoying them!
These cookie bars bring joy to any gathering with their festive colors and buttery flavor.
How to make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these cookie bars is a simple process that anyone can follow. You just mix, bake, and decorate! The result is a delicious dessert that looks great on any celebration table.
Star Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: The base of our cookie bars; gives structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise nicely.
- Sea salt: Adds flavor and balance to the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, buttery taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars to perfection.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together for a smooth dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the flavor.
- Patriotic sprinkles: Make the bars colorful and festive.
- Powdered sugar: Used in frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Whole milk: Helps achieve a creamy frosting texture.
Simple Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt, then set aside.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
- Add the eggs one at a time, letting the first mix in fully before adding the next. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until fully combined. Scrape down the sides and mix again briefly. Add the sprinkles and stir gently.
- Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish until even. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until lightly golden. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add the salt, vanilla, and milk. Mix until combined, then whip at medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy.
- Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, take them out of the baking dish and frost the top. Add more sprinkles if desired, cut into bars, and enjoy!
You Must Know
These cookie bars do best when cooled completely before frosting. This helps the frosting set well and prevents it from melting. Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure they don’t get too brown.
How to serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Serve these colorful cookie bars at your next barbecue or picnic! They’re easy to grab and share, making them a fun choice for any gathering. You can pair them with ice cream for an extra special treat!
How to store Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness if you’d like. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Tips to make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
For added flavor, try mixing in some chocolate chips or different sprinkles! You can also vary the frosting color according to the holiday or celebration theme. This makes them fun for birthdays, Halloween, or Christmas!
Playful Variations
Feel free to use different sprinkles or toppings based on what you have at home. You can swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different taste. You can also turn these into cookie sandwiches with frosting in between!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Choose a margarine that has a similar fat content for the best results.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done baking when they are lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! These cookie bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
What can I use if I don’t have patriotic sprinkles?
If you don’t have patriotic sprinkles, feel free to use any other fun sprinkles you have on hand. Colored sugar or even chopped nuts could add some nice texture and flavor as well!
Print
Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 16–20 bars (depending on how large you cut them) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for your next family gathering! They’re fun to make and so tasty. Great for Independence Day or any festive weekend treat! You’ll love them!
Ingredients
4 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 and 2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup patriotic sprinkles
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
Patriotic sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
3. In the body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, letting each egg mix in fully before adding the next. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
5. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Scrape down the sides and mix again until fully combined.
6. Add the patriotic sprinkles and stir them in gently.
7. Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish until even. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the bars cool, make the frosting by placing the butter in a large bowl and whipping until smooth with an electric hand mixer.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar until fully mixed. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk, stirring until combined. Then whip on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
10. Once the cookie is cool, take it out of the baking dish and frost the top. Add more sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Ensure Proper Mixing of Ingredients: When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. This helps prevent any flour clumps and ensures a smooth batter for uniform cookie bars.
Customize with Your Favorite Sprinkles: While this recipe uses patriotic sprinkles, feel free to substitute with other themed or colored sprinkles for different occasions. You could also use nonpareils or glitter sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: It’s important to let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the bars and ensures a thick, smooth frosting layer.
Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare these cookie bars ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, store the unfrosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frost just before serving for the best presentation and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars, sugar cookie bars, baking, festive desserts, patriotic sprinkles, cookie bars recipe, easy dessert, American cuisine, homemade cookies, summer treats.