Easy Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars
These Easy Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars are a soft, chewy, and festive treat perfect for Fourth of July celebrations and other gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and topped with red, white, and blue sugar crystals, they are quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (100g) red, white, and blue sugar sprinkles (colored sanding sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula or mixing on low speed until dough is soft but not sticky. Add a tablespoon or two more flour if too wet.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Generously sprinkle about ½ cup of red, white, and blue sugar crystals on top, pressing lightly to help them stick.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and center looks set but still soft. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes to firm up before cutting.
- Cut into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts and serve.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smooth batter. Do not overmix flour to avoid tough bars. Watch baking time closely, especially if using glass pans or different sizes. Chilling bars overnight improves flavor and cutting. Parchment paper helps with easy removal and cleanup. Variations include swapping vanilla for almond or lemon extract, gluten-free flour blends, or vegan substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of rec
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 2
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July, easy sugar cookies, festive dessert, sugar cookie recipe, holiday baking