Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
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

Published: June 11, 2025

by Olivia

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Sink your teeth into these homemade Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars! A delightful dessert for any occasion, these bars combine a soft sugar cookie base with vibrant red and blue sprinkles, topped with a rich vanilla frosting. Perfect for the 4th of July, birthday parties, or family gatherings, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute celebrations.
Flavorful Frosting: The thick and creamy vanilla frosting elevates the taste, creating a deliciously sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.
Festive Appearance: The bright sprinkles give these bars a patriotic flair, making them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
Sliceable Dessert: Unlike traditional cookies that require individual baking, these bars are easy to cut and serve, ideal for parties or gatherings.
Versatile Treat: While perfect for the 4th of July, these sugar cookie bars can be customized with different colors and toppings for any celebration.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking dish (9×13)
Parchment paper or foil
Electric hand mixer
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar until fluffy. It saves time and ensures even mixing.
Baking Dish: A 9×13 baking dish is essential for achieving the right thickness in your cookie bars. It also allows for even baking.
Electric Hand Mixer: Perfect for whipping frosting quickly to achieve a light and airy texture.

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and 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; mix each egg in fully before adding the next. Incorporate the vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add in the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Finally, fold in the patriotic sprinkles.

Step 3: Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–28 minutes or until lightly golden brown. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

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

Step 5: Frosting & Serving

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

Enjoy these delicious Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars at your next gathering!

How to Serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful patriotic sugar cookie bars are perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July or a summer gathering, here are some fun and creative ways to serve them.

For Kids’ Parties

Fun Plates: Serve the cookie bars on colorful plates featuring stars and stripes to enhance the festive mood.
Mini Portions: Cut smaller squares and place them in cupcake liners for easy handling by little hands.

Dessert Table Display

Layered Platters: Stack the cookie bars on tiered trays for an eye-catching display that invites guests to indulge.
Mix with Other Treats: Combine with other red, white, and blue desserts, like fruit skewers or themed cupcakes, for a complete dessert spread.

Picnic-Friendly Options

Individual Bags: Pack each bar in clear plastic bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons for easy transport.
On-the-Go Slices: Wrap slices in parchment paper for a rustic look that’s perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

As Party Favors

Decorative Boxes: Place the cookie bars in small boxes with patriotic designs as party favors that guests can take home.
Labeling Fun: Attach tags that say “Thank You” or have fun phrases like “Stars & Stripes Forever!” for an extra touch.

How to Perfect Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Achieving the perfect patriotic sugar cookie bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined after adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the bars cool fully before adding frosting; this prevents melting and helps maintain the frosting’s texture.

Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Pair these delicious cookie bars with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries, melon, and apples that adds a healthy contrast to cookies.
Ice Cream Sundaes: Vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream topped with whipped cream will make a delightful addition.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake squares offer a rich, creamy counterpart to the lightness of sugar cookie bars.
Red White and Blue Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and mixed berries in cups for a colorful treat.
Patriotic Punch: A fun drink made with lemonade, blue raspberry syrup, and fresh strawberries will delight guests.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and a burst of flavor alongside your cookie bars.
Popcorn Mix: A sweet mix of popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with red and blue candies makes for great snacking.
S’mores Dip: A warm dip made from melted chocolate and marshmallows served with graham crackers adds a cozy touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use proper measuring cups and spoons. Too much flour can lead to dry cookie bars.
Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the bars to cool completely before frosting is key. If you frost them too early, the frosting will melt and create a mess.
Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to maintain softness. Overmixing can make your cookie bars tough rather than tender.
Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as baking times may vary based on your specific appliance.
Using old sprinkles: Fresh sprinkles not only look better but also taste better. Check the expiration date for optimal flavor and appearance.

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 then place in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place cookie bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time in 10-15 second increments until warm.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I customize my Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars?

You can add different types of sprinkles or even mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

For egg substitutes, consider using flax eggs or applesauce as alternatives. Each egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two ahead of your event. Just store them properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

These Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are not only festive but also incredibly versatile! Perfect for any celebration, you can easily customize them with your favorite flavors or colors. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious treat that everyone will love!