Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Sink your teeth into these homemade patriotic sugar cookie bars! A delightful treat for any celebration, these bars combine a soft, chewy texture with vibrant red and blue sprinkles. Topped with a rich vanilla frosting, they are perfect for the 4th of July or any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want to indulge in a colorful dessert, these cookie bars will brighten your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it simple for bakers of all levels to create this delicious dessert.
- Perfect for Celebrations: These vibrant bars add a festive touch to any gathering, especially on the 4th of July.
- Kid-Friendly: With their fun colors and sweet flavor, kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoying the final product.
- Versatile Dessert: You can customize the sprinkles for other holidays or celebrations, ensuring year-round enjoyment.
- Sliceable Convenience: Unlike traditional cookies, these bars can be easily cut into squares for serving, making them ideal for parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your patriotic sugar cookie bars, gather your tools. Using the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Parchment paper or foil
- Cooking spray
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy dough by thoroughly mixing the butter and sugar.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish provides the perfect size for even cooking and easy cutting.
- Parchment paper or foil: Lining the baking dish ensures easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 4 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 & 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 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– pinch of sea salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 & 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
– Patriotic sprinkles for garnish
How to Make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then spray it lightly with cooking spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together:
* 4 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Set this mixture aside. In the stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together:
* Softened butter (1 cup)
* Granulated sugar (1 & 2/3 cups)
Mix until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add in three large eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated before adding another. Then add:
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Mix until combined. Stir in the flour mixture gradually until fully mixed. Finally, fold in:
* 1/2 cup patriotic sprinkles
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about:
* 25 to 28 minutes
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While your cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In another bowl using an electric mixer, whip:
* Softened (1/2 cup unsalted butter)
Until smooth. Gradually add in:
* Powdered sugar (2 & 1/2 cups)
Mixing until fully combined. Add:
* Pinch of salt
* Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
* Whole milk (1 & 1/2 tablespoons)
Stir until blended then whip on medium-high speed for three minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Once cooled completely, remove your cookie from the baking dish. Spread frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles on top before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
These delightful patriotic sugar cookie bars are perfect for any festive gathering, especially during the 4th of July celebrations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert table shine.
Individual Portions
- Serve each bar on a small plate with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful presentation.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to create delicious ice cream sandwiches.
Festive Trays
- Arrange the cookie bars on a colorful platter alongside other red, white, and blue treats for a visually appealing dessert spread.
Party Favors
- Cut the bars into smaller squares and wrap them in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons to give as party favors.
Toppings Bar
- Set up a toppings station with additional sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit so guests can customize their cookie bars.
How to Perfect Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating the perfect patriotic sugar cookie bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffier texture.
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Do not overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.
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Chill the dough: If you prefer thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
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Check for doneness: Bake until lightly golden; don’t wait for them to darken too much, as they will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
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Let cool completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully before frosting for the best texture.
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Add festive touches: Garnish with extra sprinkles or fresh berries on top of the frosting for added color and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Pairing side dishes with your patriotic sugar cookie bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement these sweet treats perfectly.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas adds a healthy touch.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection makes a great savory contrast.
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Classic Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a picnic staple that balances out sweetness well.
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Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite.
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Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers provide a savory option that pairs nicely with sweet desserts.
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Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and brightness to your meal while being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars, a few common errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookie bars that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes if your dough feels too soft.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly baked bars. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bars dry and crumbly. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined after adding the flour, then fold in the sprinkles gently.
- Ignoring cooling time: Frosting warm cookie bars can melt the frosting and create a mess. Allow them to cool completely before adding frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about making and enjoying your Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars.
Can I use different sprinkles?
Yes! You can customize with any color sprinkles or even mix them up according to holidays or themes.
How do I know when my sugar cookie bars are done?
They should be lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make these sugar cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for any celebration! With their festive colors and soft texture, they’re sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize them with different sprinkles or flavors for various occasions!
Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Sink your teeth into these delightful Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for any festive occasion! With their soft and chewy texture, vibrant red and blue sprinkles, and a rich vanilla frosting, these cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ideal for 4th of July celebrations or summer barbecues, they are easy to make and fun to share. The best part? You can customize them with different sprinkles for year-round enjoyment. Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with this colorful treat!
Ingredients
- 4 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 & 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup patriotic sprinkles
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
- 2 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
- Pinch of sea salt for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons whole milk for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients until fully mixed. Fold in patriotic sprinkles.
- Press dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, whip softened butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in salt, vanilla, and milk until fluffy.
- Once cooled, frost the cookie bars evenly and top with additional sprinkles if desired before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
