Description
These soft and chewy sugar cookie bars are topped with fluffy frosting and festive red, white, and blue decorations. Perfect for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
Essentials:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
- Sprinkles, red/white/blue M&M’s, white chocolate chips (for topping)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Red, white, and blue food coloring
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Additional toppings like coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips
Substitutions:
- Margarine instead of butter (may slightly change texture)
- Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for egg-free version
- Gluten-free flour blend for a GF option
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix.
- Press Into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake: Bake for 10–13 minutes. Edges should be set; center may look slightly soft. Do not overbake!
- Cool: Remove from oven and let bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat 8 tbsp softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Add remaining sugar, vanilla, and milk gradually until a fluffy consistency forms.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Add sprinkles, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Use parchment for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Divide frosting into bowls and dye separately for a red, white, and blue effect.
- Bars can be made ahead and frosted the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, patriotic dessert, 4th of July dessert, red white and blue bars, frosted cookie bars, festive holiday treat