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Make your next BBQ or holiday gathering a hit with these easy and festive frosted sugar cookie bars! Perfect for busy families, these red, white, and blue treats are simple and delicious.

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Hey moms! I understand how hectic life can get between juggling work, taking care of the kids, and making sure the house feels “put together.” 

Then add in holidays to the mix.  When it comes to special occasions like backyard BBQs, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, finding the time to bake a delicious dessert can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m so excited to share my super easy red, white, and blue sprinkled soft frosted sugar cookie bars with you.

These delightful treats are perfect for your next July 4th celebration or any patriotic event. Not only are they fun and festive, but they’re also a breeze to make at home. 

Plus, these easy sugar cookie bars are guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout or pool party!

How to Make Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 stick of salted butter
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of almond extract (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 2 cups of flour
• ½ cup of red and blue sprinkles (you can use regular jimmies!)
• 2- 16 oz containers of white frosting (you could use white cream cheese frosting if preferred!)
• Patriotic sprinkles

Cooking Utensils Needed:

• 8×8 Pan or 8×6 Pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue to mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the heavy cream, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Add Sprinkles: Fold in the red and blue sprinkles using a rubber spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sugar cookie dough. (You can use regular jimmies in this step!)

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Let the cookie base cool completely in the pan. (In the photos shown, I’m using an 8”x6” pan, but an 8”x8” pan works, too!)

Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie base is cool, spread a generous layer of white frosting over the top. Decorate with patriotic sprinkles for that festive red, white, and blue look. (Adjust sprinkle toppings based on your holiday and/or your preference!

Want to make homemade frosting? This is my family’s favorite buttercream frosting recipe. So simple!

Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted sugar cookie bars into squares. Serve and enjoy the chewy, sugary goodness!

Holiday Themes for Your Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for any holiday:

• Christmas: Use green and red sprinkles, and swap the white frosting for a simple buttercream frosting tinted with green or red food coloring.
• Halloween: Decorate with orange and black sprinkles and add a few candy eyeballs for a spooky touch.
• Easter: Use pastel-colored sprinkles and top with mini chocolate eggs or bunny-shaped candies.
• Valentine’s Day: Heart-shaped sprinkles and pink or red frosting will make these bars perfect for sharing the love.
• Baby Shower: Use pink or blue sprinkles to celebrate a new little one on the way!

More Yummy Treats You’ll Love:

• Best Cosmic Brownie Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
• Frosted Animal Cookies Circus Cake Pop Recipe
• Easy No Bake Oreo Marshmallow Bars (4 Ingredients)

Pro Tips and FAQs

1. How do I prevent my sugar cookie bars from being too dry?

• Ensure you don’t add too much flour. Measure accurately and avoid overmixing the dough to keep it soft and chewy.

2. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

• Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

3. How should I store these sugar cookie bars?

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can bake the cookie base a day in advance, then frost and decorate them on the day of your event for the best freshness.

These frosted sugar cookie bars are the best way to add a touch of homemade charm to any holiday or special occasion. They’re simple to make, look fantastic, and taste even better. Next time you’re in charge of dessert for a BBQ, pool party, or holiday gathering, give this recipe a try. I promise, they’ll be a huge hit!

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