There’s something about the smell of warm sugar cookies baking that instantly transports me to summer afternoons filled with laughter and the hum of backyard gatherings. These 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars capture that exact feeling—soft, buttery, and sweet with just the right amount of festive flair on top. I remember the last time I made them; the kitchen was a little chaotic, with kids sneaking frosting before it even cooled and the timer ringing just as the sun began to dip. The frosting wasn’t perfectly smooth—I was a bit distracted juggling a phone call—but that imperfection made the bars feel homemade and full of love.
Each bite offers a gentle crumb that melts on your tongue, balanced by the creamy frosting decorated with vibrant red and blue swirls. The crunch of sanding sugar adds a playful texture that’s hard to resist. These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a centerpiece, an invitation to gather around and share a sweet moment.
- They’re straightforward to make—no fancy skills required, which is kind of the point.
- The festive decorations bring the holiday spirit without needing extra dishes or complicated plating.
- Soft and buttery, these bars are easier to slice and share than traditional cookies, making them perfect for a crowd.
- They do require a bit of patience while the frosting sets, so plan ahead to avoid rushing.
Even if you’re usually a pie or classic cake fan, these bars offer a refreshing and fun twist for your dessert table. You can prepare them a day ahead, and they hold their charm well stored in an airtight container, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
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4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Celebrate Independence Day with these festive 4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars topped with red, white, and blue decorations. Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars are easy to make and perfect for a patriotic dessert.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red gel food coloring
Blue gel food coloring
White nonpareils or white sanding sugar
Red sanding sugar
Blue sanding sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/4 cup of whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Divide the frosting into three small bowls. Leave one bowl white, add a few drops of red gel food coloring to the second bowl and mix until evenly colored, and add a few drops of blue gel food coloring to the third bowl and mix well.
Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the white frosting evenly over the top.
Use the red and blue frostings to create stripes or stars on top of the white frosting. Decorate with red, white, and blue sanding sugars and white nonpareils to enhance the patriotic look.
Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before cutting into 16 bars and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
These bars bake up beautifully in a simple pan, nothing fancy needed. I usually grab a sturdy spatula to smooth the dough evenly before baking, but sometimes I just spread it with my fingers when I’m in a hurry—it works fine, though maybe not as neat. When it comes to serving, they go great alongside a glass of lemonade or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You could try swapping the blue and red sanding sugars for edible glitter or small star-shaped sprinkles, though I haven’t tested those personally. Another idea I toyed with was adding a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a little zing—might be worth trying if you like a citrus twist.
FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely. They hold up well refrigerated and taste great the next day once brought back to room temperature.
Is there a way to make them gluten-free? I haven’t tried it, but using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend might work—just keep an eye on the texture as it could be a bit different.
Can I swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative? Possibly, though the flavor and texture might shift. I’d suggest using a solid dairy-free butter substitute and testing with a small batch first.
How do I get the frosting to set properly? Let the bars cool completely before frosting and give the decorated top at least 30 minutes to settle before slicing.
Ready to add a splash of patriotic sweetness to your holiday? These sugar cookie bars are waiting to brighten your celebration, one buttery bite at a time.