Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Sink your teeth into these homemade patriotic sugar cookie bars! These delightful treats are soft, buttery bars bursting with festive red and blue sprinkles, topped with a thick and velvety vanilla frosting. Perfect for any occasion, especially the 4th of July, they are a sliceable dessert that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Their vibrant colors and sweet flavor make them stand out as a favorite at summer gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Their colorful appearance makes them ideal for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The moist cookie base ensures a delightful bite with every piece.
• Versatile Decoration: Customize with different sprinkles for various occasions throughout the year.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to mix and decorate these festive treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your patriotic sugar cookie bars, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, especially in achieving the right texture.
• Baking dish: A 9×13 dish is perfect for even cooking and allows you to cut uniform bars easily.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious patriotic sugar cookie bars:

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

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 and spray it with cooking spray. Set it aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to mix in fully before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add in the flour mixture while stirring until fully combined. Finally, fold in the patriotic sprinkles.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 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 4: Make the Frosting

While your cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, whip the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Mix in sea salt, vanilla extract, and milk until combined. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and whip for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once cooled completely, remove your cookie bars from the baking dish. Spread an even layer of frosting over top, adding additional patriotic sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars and serve!

Enjoy these colorful patriotic sugar cookie bars at your next gathering!

How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful patriotic sugar cookie bars are perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make the most out of this colorful dessert.

Individual Portions

• Serve each bar in a small paper or plastic cup for easy handling at parties.
• Cut the bars into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that are great for kids.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Top each sugar cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing treat.
• Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the ice cream for added sweetness.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a large platter, interspersed with fresh fruit like strawberries and blueberries.
• Garnish the platter with extra patriotic sprinkles for a colorful display.

Picnic Packs

• Wrap individual bars in wax paper or clear cellophane for an easy grab-and-go option.
• Include napkins and utensils for outdoor events to keep it neat.

Toppings Bar

• Set up a toppings station with whipped cream, additional sprinkles, and cherry toppings.
• Let guests customize their own cookie bars to add personal flair.

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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 simple tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better creaming and mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy, rather than tough.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cookie base to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
• Use high-quality sprinkles: Choose vibrant, high-quality sprinkles that hold their color during baking and add visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Pair your patriotic sugar cookie bars with these delicious side dishes that complement their festive flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries adds freshness.
2. Classic Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a savory contrast to sweet cookie bars.
3. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw balances the dessert’s sweetness with its tangy flavor.
4. Grilled Veggies: Seasoned grilled vegetables offer a light and healthy side option.
5. Deviled Eggs: These creamy bites are always a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a sweet bite that pairs well with cookies.
7. Chips and Dip: A classic snack like tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole can be a fun addition.
8. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses with crackers for a savory nibble alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making patriotic sugar cookie bars can be a fun activity, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to ensure success.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to avoid dry or overly wet dough.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

• Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm cookie bars can make the icing melt and slide off. Wait until they are completely cool before frosting.

• Using stale sprinkles: Fresh sprinkles enhance the visual appeal of your cookie bars. Check that your sprinkles are fresh and vibrant before using them.

• Not lining the baking dish: Skipping parchment paper or foil can result in sticking, making it difficult to remove the cookie bars. Always line your baking dish for easy release.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about patriotic sugar cookie bars that might help you in your baking journey!

Can I use different colors of sprinkles in my Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes! Feel free to mix and match colors or shapes of sprinkles to suit any holiday or occasion.

What makes these Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars soft?

The combination of butter and eggs creates a moist dough, resulting in soft and chewy cookie bars after baking.

How do I know when my Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are done?

They should be lightly golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them one day in advance and store them covered at room temperature before serving.

What is the best way to cut these cookie bars?

Use a sharp knife and cut while they are still slightly warm for cleaner edges. For more uniform pieces, use a ruler as a guide!

Final Thoughts

These patriotic sugar cookie bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for celebrations like Independence Day. Their soft texture pairs beautifully with rich frosting, allowing you to customize flavors and toppings easily. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying them at home, these cookie bars will surely impress everyone! Try adding different flavors or toppings to make them your own!