Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Sink your teeth into these homemade patriotic sugar cookie bars! These soft and chewy cookie bars are studded with vibrant red and blue sprinkles, topped with a thick layer of velvety vanilla frosting, and finished off with even more sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations like 4th of July, these cookie bars are not just delicious but also fun and festive. Serve them at barbecues, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful sprinkles make them eye-catching and perfect for any celebration.
• Soft Texture: These bars are soft and chewy on the inside, making every bite a delight.
• Sliceable Convenience: Unlike traditional cookies, you can cut these into perfect squares for easy serving.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add extra sprinkles or even different colors for various occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make these patriotic sugar cookie bars, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Cooking spray
• Whisk
• Electric hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Baking dish: The 9×13 size allows for even baking and easy slicing into bars.
• Electric hand mixer: Ideal for whipping frosting to a light and fluffy consistency in no time.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• 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

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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. Spray it lightly with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. Stir in the patriotic sprinkles gently.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars

Press the cookie dough into an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–28 minutes or until lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your cookie bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, whip together softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully mixed in. Add a pinch of sea salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk; mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and whip for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Frosting Time!

Once cooled completely, remove your cookie bars from the baking dish. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles on top if desired for that festive touch! Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Enjoy your delicious patriotic sugar cookie bars at your next gathering!

How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Patriotic sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat perfect for any festive occasion. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family gathering, serving these colorful bars can elevate your dessert table. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make the most of your patriotic dessert.

Individual Treats

• Serve each bar on its own plate for a personal touch.
• Add a small flag toothpick on top for extra festive flair.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a large platter with other red, white, and blue desserts.
• Include strawberries and blueberries for a fresh fruit component.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Pair the cookie bars with vanilla ice cream for delicious sandwiches.
• Cut the bars into smaller squares for easy stacking.

Family Style Serving

• Place the entire batch in the center of the table for guests to serve themselves.
• Encourage everyone to add their favorite toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

Party Favors

• Wrap individual bars in clear plastic wrap tied with a ribbon for take-home treats.
• Personalize tags with messages like “Happy 4th of July!”

How to Perfect Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your patriotic sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. With just a few simple tricks, you can elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter that blends more easily.
• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the flour mixture, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars soft.
• Check doneness carefully: Bake until lightly golden; overbaking can lead to dry cookie bars.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and makes for neater slices.
• Experiment with sprinkles: Mix in different colored sprinkles or themed toppings for variety.

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Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Pairing these delicious cookie bars with complementary sides will enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great choices that pair well with patriotic sugar cookie bars.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Set up an ice cream station with various toppings so guests can create their own sundaes alongside cookie bars.
3. Patriotic Punch
   A vibrant drink featuring layers of red fruit juices, blue sports drinks, and sparkling water enhances the festive theme.
4. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses and crackers to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
5. Veggie Tray
   Crisp veggies served with dip provide a healthy option that contrasts nicely with sugary treats.
6. Mini Hot Dogs
   Easy-to-eat mini hot dogs can be a fun savory side that complements your sweet offerings at any gathering.
7. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette can be refreshing next to sweeter desserts like cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to dense bars. Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs for a light texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best results.
• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can result in dry bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm bars can melt your frosting. Allow the bars to cool completely before adding frosting.
• Using stale sprinkles: Old sprinkles lose their color and crunch. Always check that your sprinkles are fresh for vibrant and tasty cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cooled Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars in 10-15 second increments until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I customize the sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any colored sprinkles that match your theme, like green for St. Patrick’s Day or pastels for Easter.

How long does it take to make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars?

The total time is about 48 minutes, including both prep and baking time.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make! Perfect for gatherings, they can be customized with different colors or flavors based on your occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it with your favorite toppings!