These festive 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful way to celebrate Independence Day! With their vibrant red, white, and blue colors, they make a stunning addition to any summer gathering or holiday barbecue. These cookie bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults. Perfect for picnics or family get-togethers, these bars will surely be the highlight of your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to whip up these delicious cookie bars.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Their patriotic colors make them an ideal dessert for the 4th of July and other festive occasions.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily personalize the frosting and add your favorite toppings like fruits or extra sprinkles.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These sugar cookie bars are baked to perfection, giving you that delightful softness in every bite.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 24 servings, these bars are perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Casserole dish (9X13 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring your ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
• Casserole dish: The perfect size to bake your sugar cookie bars evenly.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the finished product out of the pan.

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

this recipe

How to Make 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9X13 inch casserole dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides of the pan. This will help you lift your cookie bars out easily after they cool.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Add in one whole egg, one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined. If your eggs aren’t at room temperature yet, placing them in warm water for a few minutes can help speed up this process.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Once combined, gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Transfer your dough into the prepared pan and press it flat with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 16–20 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

To make your frosting, beat together the remaining butter with vanilla extract in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness level; it should still be soft enough for easy spreading.

Step 8: Frosting & Decorating

Once cooled completely, lift out your cookie bars using the parchment paper. Spread frosting generously over the top. For added flair, decorate with fresh strawberries and blueberries or sprinkle additional sprinkles over top before cutting into squares! Enjoy these fabulous 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars!

How to Serve 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert stand out.

Festive Flag Presentation

• Use strawberries and blueberries to create a flag design on top of the frosting. This adds a patriotic touch that is visually appealing.

Individual Portions

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them on festive plates. This makes it easier for guests to grab and enjoy without needing utensils.

Family Style Serving

• Place the entire frosted tray in the center of your picnic table. Allow guests to serve themselves, encouraging a communal atmosphere.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Pair a slice of your sugar cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination adds creaminess and balances sweetness.

Dessert Platter

• Combine your sugar cookie bars with other desserts like brownies or fruit tarts on a large platter. This provides variety for dessert lovers.

Dipped in Chocolate

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted bars for an extra indulgent treat. Allow the chocolate to set before serving for a decorative finish.

How to Perfect 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Bake until edges are barely golden. This will keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Customize Your Frosting: Adjust the sweetness by varying powdered sugar amounts in the frosting to suit your taste preferences.
• Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for cleaner edges.
• Add Seasonal Sprinkles: For added fun, use themed sprinkles that match your holiday celebrations on top after frosting.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

When you’re serving these festive sugar cookie bars, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn Salad: A fresh and zesty salad made with charred corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing.
2. Watermelon Feta Salad: A refreshing mix of sweet watermelon chunks and salty feta cheese, perfect for summer.
3. Classic Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out sweet desserts beautifully.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze make a colorful appetizer.
5. Potato Salad: A classic dish that pairs well with any summer meal; try adding herbs for freshness.
6. Fruit Kabobs: Colorful skewers loaded with seasonal fruits provide a healthy contrast to your sweet treats.
7. Deviled Eggs: A savory snack that’s easy to prepare and always popular at summer gatherings.
8. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad tossed with veggies adds substance while keeping things fresh.

These side dishes will enhance your celebration while allowing the 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars to shine as the star dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars is a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your bars tough. Combine the ingredients just until they are mixed; this helps retain a soft texture.
• Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make your cookie bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.
• Ignoring frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, it won’t spread well. Adjust with milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place bars on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking. Alternatively, bake and frost them a day or two in advance.

What if I can’t find almond extract?

You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract or leave it out entirely. The bars will still taste great!

How do I customize my 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars?

Feel free to change up the colors of sprinkles or add different toppings like chocolate chips or nuts based on your preference.

Why did my sugar cookie bars turn out flat?

Flat bars could be due to overmixing or not having enough flour. Ensure you measure accurately and mix just until combined.

How do I store leftover sugar cookie bars?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their patriotic colors. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings and flavors according to your taste. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or just looking for a tasty treat, give this recipe a try!