Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)
Soft, buttery cookie bars finished with red, white, and blue swirled frosting and festive sprinkles.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sugar Cookie Bars
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Frosting
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Red gel food coloring
13 - Blue gel food coloring
→ Decorating
14 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly blended.
05 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated and a soft dough forms.
06 - Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is fully set. Avoid overbaking.
08 - Remove the pan from the oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and heavy cream or milk. Beat on high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
10 - Divide frosting equally among three small bowls. Leave one bowl plain (white). Tint one portion with red gel coloring and the other with blue, mixing until desired vibrancy is achieved.
11 - Spoon alternating dollops of red, white, and blue frosting across the cooled bars. Swirl with an offset spatula for a marbled effect or spread in distinct sections for a striped look. Immediately top with red, white, and blue sprinkles to finish.
12 - Cut into 24 even bars and serve at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The frosting marbles together like fireworks — you never get the same bite twice.
- It is the quickest way to make any summer gathering a little sweeter with minimal fuss.
02 -
- If you skimp on cooling time, the frosting will melt into a puddle — trust me, learn from my impatience.
- Switching to gel coloring made all the difference in keeping the marble bright and vivid instead of pastel and runny.
03 -
- If you want tidier bars, chill the pan for fifteen minutes before cutting — the frosting will firm up perfectly.
- For a little extra depth, mix in an almond extract dash or swap vanilla for lemon zest in the dough.