There’s something undeniably special about celebrating with sweets, especially when they come in vibrant colors that reflect the spirit of the occasion. These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that will wow your friends and family at any gathering. Perfect for holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any event where you want to show your American pride, these bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a colorful array of sprinkles, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips. Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Reasons to Love Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
– Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cookies that require rolling and cutting, these bars can be mixed and baked in one pan, saving you time and effort.
– Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the colors for different holidays, making them versatile for year-round celebrations.
– Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. They’ll love helping with the sprinkles!
– Perfect for Parties: These cookie bars are easy to slice into perfect squares, making them ideal for sharing at potlucks or picnics.
Shopping List
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), 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
- 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), room temperature (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips for topping
Must-Have Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for mixing dough and frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This is the ideal size for baking your cookie bars.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: To mix the ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For spreading the dough evenly in the pan.
Build Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Spread the Dough
Using a spatula, spread the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure to smooth the top for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 tablespoons of room temperature butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Cookie Bars
Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Step 10: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Decorate the frosting with a generous amount of sprinkles, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips for that patriotic flair.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
- Use red, white, and blue M&M’s for a festive look.
- Add star-shaped sprinkles for a fun touch during Independence Day celebrations.
- Consider using flavored extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
- For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before adding the toppings.
What Could Go Wrong
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined.
- Not Cooling Completely: If you frost the bars while they are still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven that is too hot can burn the edges.
- Using Cold Butter: Room temperature butter is essential for the right texture. Cold butter will not cream properly with sugar.
Storing Tips & Timelines
These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their flavor for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!
Common Questions
Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie bars a day in advance and frost them right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the powdered sugar in the frosting?
You can use a granulated sugar and cornstarch mixture as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different. For best results, stick with powdered sugar.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie bars?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
In Closing
There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of delicious, colorful treats with friends and family. These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are simple, festive, and sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With their chewy texture and sweet frosting topped with vibrant decorations, they encapsulate the joy of celebration. So whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a picnic, or just want to indulge in a bit of patriotic spirit, these cookie bars are the perfect choice. Get ready to bake, decorate, and enjoy!
Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 3/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer.
- Add the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Using a spatula, spread the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Make sure to smooth the top for even baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 tablespoons of room temperature butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Now comes the fun part! Decorate the frosting with a generous amount of sprinkles, M&M's, and white chocolate chips for that patriotic flair.
Notes
- Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them to last up to a week.
- Freeze baked and cooled bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
