Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Sink your teeth into these homemade patriotic sugar cookie bars! This delightful dessert features soft sugar cookie bars packed with red and blue sprinkles, all topped with a thick and velvety vanilla frosting. Perfect for the 4th of July or any festive occasion, these cookie bars are sliceable treats that both kids and adults will adore.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Bake the Bars
• Step 7: Make the Frosting
• Step 8: Frost and Serve
• How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• For a Festive Celebration
• With Ice Cream
• At Family Gatherings
• How to Perfect Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• Reheating Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I customize the sprinkles?
• How do I make frosting without powdered sugar?
• Are these cookie bars suitable for kids?
• How do I store leftover cookie bars?
• Can I add flavors to the cookie dough?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these patriotic sugar cookie bars are a breeze for bakers of all levels.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors and fun sprinkles make these bars an eye-catching dessert for celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: Soft and chewy with a creamy frosting, every bite is a sweet treat that pleases the palate.
• Versatile Serving: Cut them into squares or rectangles; they’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add more sprinkles or even swap out flavors in the frosting to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these patriotic sugar cookie bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking dish (9×13)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time by thoroughly mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Baking dish: A 9×13 size is perfect for creating evenly baked cookie bars that are easy to cut.
• Electric hand mixer: Ideal for whipping the frosting to a light and fluffy texture without much effort.

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. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or foil. Lightly spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 4 & 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon of baking powder
3. 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together:
1. 1 cup of softened unsalted butter
2. 1 & 2/3 cups of granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in:
1. The eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next.
2. Mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture from Step 2 into your wet mixture. Stir until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Finally, fold in:
– The 1/2 cup of patriotic sprinkles

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about:
– 25–28 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean.

Once done, place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the cookie bars cool, prepare your frosting by:
1. In a large bowl, whip together:
– 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter
– Gradually add in 2 & 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.

1. Stir in:
2. A pinch of sea salt,
3. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract,

4. And 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of whole milk.

5. Whip on medium-high speed for about three minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, remove the cookie from the baking dish and frost generously on top with your prepared frosting. Sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars and serve! Enjoy your delicious patriotic sugar cookie bars at your next gathering!

How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Serving Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars can elevate any gathering, especially during festive occasions like the 4th of July. These vibrant cookie bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect dessert centerpiece.

For a Festive Celebration

• Picnic Treats – Slice the bars into small squares and serve them at outdoor picnics for a colorful addition to your spread.
• Party Platters – Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter with other red, white, and blue desserts for a themed dessert table.
• Individual Portions – Wrap each bar in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for cute individual treats that are easy to grab.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Pair the cookie bars with your favorite ice cream flavors for an indulgent dessert.
• Ala Mode – Serve warm cookie bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup for a decadent treat.

At Family Gatherings

• Kids’ Dessert Table – Set up a dessert table just for kids at family gatherings where they can decorate their own cookie bars with extra sprinkles.
• Potluck Contributions – Bring a pan of these cookie bars to potlucks; they are sure to be a hit among both kids and adults.

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How to Perfect Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure all ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
• Check Baking Time Carefully – Start checking the cookie bars at the lower end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting – Allow the cookie bars to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Customize Your Sprinkles – Feel free to use different colored sprinkles or edible decorations that fit your theme for more creativity.

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:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of summer fruits complements the sweetness of the cookie bars beautifully.
2. Patriotic Fruit Skewers – Assemble skewers with strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows for an easy-to-eat treat that looks festive.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that balances the sweetness; consider serving it alongside or as an ice cream sandwich.
4. Cheese Platter – Offer a variety of cheeses with crackers to contrast the sweet flavors of the cookies.
5. Lemonade or Sweet Tea – Refreshing beverages that pair well with desserts, perfect for summer gatherings.
6. Mini Hot Dogs or Sliders – Savory finger foods that guests can enjoy while indulging in sweets create a balanced menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting ensures the frosting doesn’t melt. Be patient!
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Using cold butter – Softened butter is essential for creaming with sugar. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
• Ignoring oven calibration – Every oven differs. Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate baking results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• These cookie bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a bar in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars:

Can I customize the sprinkles?

Yes! You can use any color sprinkles or mix different types to match your celebration theme.

How do I make frosting without powdered sugar?

You can blend granulated sugar finely into a powder using a blender if you’re out of powdered sugar.

Are these cookie bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect as they’re colorful and fun treats that kids love.

How do I store leftover cookie bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add flavors to the cookie dough?

Certainly! Feel free to add almond extract or citrus zest for extra flavor variation.

Final Thoughts

Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them ideal for any festive occasion. Customize them with your favorite colors and flavors, and impress friends and family with this delightful treat!