4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup sprinkles

Published: June 4, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appeal: These sugar cookie bars feature red, white, and blue colors that make them ideal for 4th of July celebrations.
Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions mean you can whip up these bars in no time, making them perfect for last-minute plans.
Delicious Flavor: Combining vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a rich and delightful taste that everyone will love.
Customizable Toppings: You can top these bars with fresh fruit, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
Perfect for Sharing: With 24 slices per batch, these cookie bars are great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
9×13 inch casserole dish
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This makes mixing ingredients easier and ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
Parchment paper: It helps in lifting the bars out of the pan easily after baking, preventing any sticking.
Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

Ingredients

These red, white and blue 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect patriotic dessert! These are THE BEST sugar cookie bars you will ever eat!

1 cup butter (unsalted room temperature)
1 cup sugar
1 egg (room temperature)
1 egg yolk (room temperature)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
3 cups flour (all-purpose)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sprinkles

For the Frosting

3/4 cup butter (unsalted room temperature)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 cups powdered sugar

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch casserole dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides of the pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add in one whole egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Once combined, fold in the sprinkles gently until just mixed in. Transfer this mixture into your prepared pan and press it flat.

Step 6: Bake

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 16-20 minutes. The edges should barely start turning golden when done. Remove from oven and let cool on a cooking rack.

Step 7: Make Frosting

For the frosting, beat together butter, vanilla extract, and two cups of powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or a tablespoon of milk if needed.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, lift your cookie bar out using parchment paper. Spread frosting evenly on top. Decorate with strawberries and blueberries or additional sprinkles immediately after frosting for that festive look! Cut into bars and enjoy!

These festive 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether at a picnic, a family gathering, or a backyard barbecue, these bars will add a sweet touch to your celebrations.

Individual Portions

Serve each bar on a colorful plate for an eye-catching display.
Use cupcake liners for easy serving and to keep the bars intact.

With Fresh Fruits

Top the bars with sliced strawberries and blueberries for a fresh, patriotic flair.
Serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Party Platter

Arrange the cookie bars on a large platter with other desserts for variety.
Include small flags or themed decorations to enhance the festive look.

On-the-Go Treats

Cut the bars into smaller pieces and package them in cellophane bags.
Tie with red, white, and blue ribbons for a charming presentation that’s easy to share.

Achieving the best results with your 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars is simple with a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dessert is perfect every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden but not overbaked to keep bars soft.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting for the best spreadability and appearance.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to mix in different sprinkles or fruit toppings based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

To complement your 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars, consider serving them alongside these delightful side dishes that celebrate summer flavors.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection is always a crowd-pleaser. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt!
Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with any barbecue. Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
Coleslaw: Crunchy and refreshing, this salad offers great contrast to sweet treats. Consider adding apples or nuts for extra texture!
Baked Beans: Savory baked beans provide a hearty addition that balances out the sweetness of dessert.
Caprese Salad Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light and tasty option.
Watermelon Slices: Juicy watermelon slices are perfect for hot summer days; they’re hydrating and refreshing!
Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs are always popular at gatherings; make them spicy or classic based on preference.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your table while keeping it light!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results.

Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make your cookie bars tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
Skipping parchment paper: Not lining your pan with parchment makes it hard to remove the bars. Always use parchment paper for easy lifting.
Not checking doneness: Baking times can vary. Check your bars a minute or two early; they should be set but not overbaked.
Ignoring cooling time: Frosting warm bars leads to melted frosting. Allow your cookie bars to cool completely before frosting them.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F; warm the bars for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, covered, until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make the frosting, beat together butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar as needed.

Absolutely! You can add different sprinkles or fruits based on your taste preference. Consider using festive red, white, and blue decorations!

Use a sharp knife and cut straight down without sawing back and forth. For neat edges, clean the knife between cuts if necessary.

They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Yes! When wrapped well, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make! Perfect for any summer celebration, you can customize them with various toppings or colors. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with these festive treats!

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4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe