Introduction
Looking for a fun and easy dessert to make this 4th of July? These Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect patriotic treat! They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a colorful red, white, and blue frosting that’s just right for celebrating Independence Day.
Unlike regular sugar cookies that take time to roll and cut, sugar cookie bars are super simple. You just press the dough into a pan, bake, and top with frosting. It’s a quick and mess-free way to make something sweet that looks festive too! These bars are great for BBQs, picnics, family gatherings, or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen with kids. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and blue food coloring
- Patriotic sprinkles (optional but fun!)
Step-by-Step Process – 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars
Let’s break it down into easy steps.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until it looks light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix again until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough forms. Don’t overmix.
Step 3: Press and Bake
- Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan.
- Use your hands or the back of a spoon to flatten the surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookie bar cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a clean bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add the milk and vanilla, and mix again until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk.
Step 5: Color and Decorate
- Divide the frosting into three small bowls. Leave one white. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl, and blue food coloring to another.
- Spread the frosting in sections or swirl it on top of the cooled cookie bars for a red, white, and blue effect.
- Top with patriotic sprinkles for extra fun!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
- Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These sugar cookie bars can be made 1–2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q2: Can I freeze the bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them well (without the frosting is best) and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw and frost before serving.
Q3: What if I don’t have food coloring?
No problem! You can leave the frosting white and just use red and blue sprinkles for the patriotic colors.
Q4: Can I use store-bought frosting?
Sure! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought frosting and just color it with food coloring.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
You can use two 8×8 pans or even a larger cookie sheet. Just keep an eye on baking time—it might be shorter with a thinner layer.
Final Thoughts
These 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are a sweet and simple way to show your patriotic spirit. With soft cookie layers, colorful frosting, and fun sprinkles, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or skills to make them.
Whether you’re celebrating at a picnic, a backyard party, or just enjoying the fireworks at home, these cookie bars will make your day a little sweeter. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—freedom has never tasted this good.
