4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)

Soft vanilla sugar cookie bars with creamy frosting and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles for your July 4th celebration.

# What You 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Mix in egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually fold in flour mixture, mixing just until dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center remains soft.
07 - Let bars cool in pan on wire rack until completely room temperature before frosting.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Immediately top with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
10 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 equal squares and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is incredibly soft and cakey, like a cross between a sugar cookie and a birthday cake
  • You can frost and decorate them ahead of time without worrying about fancy piping skills
  • They feed a crowd effortlessly and transport better than individual cookies
02 -
  • Underbaking slightly is better than overbaking. These continue cooking as they cool in the pan.
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable. Cold butter creates separated, lumpy batter.
  • Wait until bars are completely cool before frosting, or you will have a slide-off situation.
03 -
  • Chill the frosted bars for 15 minutes before cutting. This makes the frosting set slightly for cleaner slices.
  • Use a warm knife for cutting. Run it under hot water and dry between each slice for picture-perfect bars.

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