Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
These soft, chewy sugar cookie bars adorned with red, white, and blue frosting are perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking pan greased
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 Mixing bowls large and medium
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- red and blue food coloring
- patriotic sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting and Decoration
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave one white and tint the other two with red and blue food coloring.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars in layers or swirls. Top with patriotic sprinkles.
Serving and Storage
- Cut into bars and serve at room temperature. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Pro Tips: For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars. Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting.
How to Serve: Serve with cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the bars a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting.
How to Serve: Serve with cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the bars a day in advance and frost them just before serving.