4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)
Soft sugar cookie bars with vanilla frosting and patriotic sprinkles, ideal for Independence Day celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 large egg yolk
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
→ Vanilla Frosting
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Red, white, and blue sprinkles for decoration
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.
03 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands, spreading it to the edges.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden while the center remains slightly soft.
08 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
09 - Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
10 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with red, white, and blue sprinkles immediately.
11 - Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Soft, thick cookie bars that stay perfectly moist even after a day or two
- The frosting-to-cookie ratio is absolute perfection in every bite
- You get all the nostalgia of sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting individual shapes
02 -
- Underbaking slightly is better than overbaking—these continue cooking as they cool and should remain soft
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for achieving that tender, uniform texture
- Wait until bars are completely cool before frosting, or your beautiful topping will melt right off
03 -
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to spread evenly
- Use an offset spatula for the smoothest frosting application
- Clean your knife between cuts for the most picture-perfect squares