Red White and Blue Sugar Cookie Bars

The Fourth of July is a time to gather with family and friends, celebrate the spirit of independence, and indulge in delicious treats. Sugar Cookie Bars adorned with homemade frosting and patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles are the perfect sweet delight for this festive occasion.

Why Sugar Cookie Bars are the Best:

1. Sugar Cookie Base: Sugar Cookie Bars capture the classic flavor of sugar cookies in a delightful bar form (no cookies to roll out!). The soft and chewy texture, combined with the sweet buttery taste, creates a nostalgic experience reminiscent of childhood.
2. Homemade Frosting and Decorations: The beauty of Sugar Cookie Bars lies in the homemade frosting that tops them. You can prepare a luscious buttercream frosting, dyed in vibrant shades of red, white, and blue, to showcase the patriotic colors of the Fourth of July. The frosting not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides a blank canvas for creative designs using sprinkles, edible glitter, or even edible star-shaped decorations.
3. Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the significant advantages of Sugar Cookie Bars is their make-ahead nature. By preparing them in advance, you can save valuable time on the day of your Independence Day festivities. These bars can be baked and frosted a day or two ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together and ensuring a stress-free celebration. Simply store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and they will be ready to impress your guests when the time comes.
4. Travel-Friendly Treat: Whether you're attending a family barbecue, picnic, or fireworks display, Sugar Cookie Bars are an ideal dessert for on-the-go. The bar format eliminates the need for individual cookies, making them easy to transport without the risk of crumbling. The frosting sets beautifully, preventing any messy mishaps during travel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?

Yes, you can certainly use store-bought frosting as a time-saving option. However, homemade frosting allows for more control over the flavors and colors, allowing you to customize your Sugar Cookie Bars to your liking.

Can I use different colored sprinkles for decorations?

Absolutely! While red, white, and blue sprinkles are traditional for Independence Day, you can get creative and use a variety of colors to suit your personal preference or match your party theme.

Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes, Sugar Cookie Bars can be frozen for future enjoyment. Ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

More Cookie Bar Recipes

• S'mores Cookie Bars
• Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
• Blondies
• Lemon Bars

If you’ve tried this 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bar recipe or any other recipe on Bless This Mess, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

📖 Recipe

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Red White and Blue Sugar Cookie Bars

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Servings: 40

Calories: 144kcal

Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup butter softened
• ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 3 eggs
• ▢ ¼ cup sour cream
• ▢ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 5 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 recipe classic vanilla butter cream
• ▢ festive sprinkles

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter the bottom and sides of a jelly roll pan (half sheet pan) which is 11x15 inches.
• In the bowl of your stand mixer (paddle attachment on) whip the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the eggs and beat to combine, around 30 seconds. Add the sour cream and vanilla and combine.
• Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the top of the ingredient in the bowl and then mix on low until completely combined.
• Spread the dough evenly in the buttered pan and then bake for 16-20 minutes until the dough is set but still light in color.
• Allow the dough to cool completely before topping with frosting and sprinkles. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

• I made these the day before, left them in the pan (frosted) and then just cut and served then when it was time. They travel well!
• If you are having a picnic outside, it would be worth the time to chill these before putting them out so that the butter has time to firm up before going outside. Butter melts at 98 degrees, so don't leave them in direct sun or you'll have melty icing on your hands.
• To get the 40 servings, I cut the pan into 5 rows of 8 bars. When going to a party I like to cut them small but you can serve larger pieces if you'd like. 

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Red White and Blue Sugar Cookie Bars decorated with vibrant red, white, and blue frosting and sprinkles are a delightful addition to any Fourth of July celebration. You are going to love these!