Stars and Stripes Cookie Bars

why make this recipe

Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for celebrating special occasions like holidays and gatherings. They are not only easy to make but also visually appealing with their red, white, and blue sprinkles. These cookie bars offer a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

how to make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add the egg and extracts, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Let it cool completely in the pan.
9. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
10. Cut into bars and serve.

how to serve Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Serve these sugar cookie bars at room temperature for the best taste. You can cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. They make a great dessert for picnics, barbecues, or even just a treat at home. Pair them with a glass of milk for a classic combination!

how to store Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Store the leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

tips to make Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

• Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
• You can customize the sprinkles based on the occasion, replacing red, white, and blue with other colors for different holidays.
• For added flavor, consider using a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of lemon zest in the dough.

variation

For a chocolate twist, you can add cocoa powder to the dough. Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate cookie bars. You can then use chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can use any frosting you like, such as buttercream or chocolate ganache.

Q: How thick should the dough be when pressed into the pan?
A: Aim for an even layer that is about 1/2 inch thick to ensure they bake properly.

Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Delightfully sweet and creamy cookie bars decorated with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles, perfect for any holiday or gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened, not melted.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Toppings

• 1 cup cream cheese frosting
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles Can customize the sprinkles for different occasions.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add the egg and extracts, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Baking

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Let it cool completely in the pan.
3. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
4. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate.