If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that dazzles both in flavor and festive flair, look no further than the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. This delightful treat combines the buttery, soft chew of classic sugar cookies with bursts of colorful patriotic sprinkles, creating a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or cozy gathering. The creamy frosting on top adds an indulgent touch, making each bite a little celebration of its own. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in baking, especially when each brings something special to the table. This Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe uses simple pantry staples that build into a colorful, flavorful masterpiece. From the rich butter setting the cookie’s tender crumb to the playful patriotic sprinkles that make every slice shine, each component contributes to the magic.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the bars tender and moist.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a lovely golden crust during baking.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture for soft cookie bars.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, creating structure and chewiness.
- ½ cup patriotic sprinkles: Adds festive pops of color and a playful crunch throughout.
- Frosting: A luscious blend of ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream, creating a creamy topping that balances sweetness with smooth texture.
How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. This simple prep makes cleanup easier and helps you achieve those perfect, intact bars.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air that gives your cookie bars a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush here—patience pays off.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients enrich the dough, adding moisture and subtle flavor that enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles
Slowly add in the all-purpose flour (plus baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt if using), blending until smooth. Then fold in the patriotic sprinkles gently but thoroughly so vibrant colors spread evenly through the dough, promising delightful specks in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands. Bake for 20 to 28 minutes until the edges start to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, transfer to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely—this helps the frosting hold perfectly without melting.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
For the frosting, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and just enough heavy whipping cream to reach fluffy, spreadable consistency. Once your bars have cooled, slather on the frosting generously and sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles on top for that extra festive sparkle before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic preparation with patriotic sprinkles is dazzling on its own, you can amp up the presentation by adding edible glitter or a light drizzle of white chocolate over the frosted bars. Fresh berries can also complement the colors and add a fresh contrast to the sweet richness.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially if you want to turn this treat into a more decadent dessert. Coffee or a cold glass of milk are also perfect companions that balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe at a fourth of July picnic? Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a themed platter with small American flags or star-shaped picks. They also make delightful packaged gifts for parties—just wrap in cellophane and tie with a bright ribbon for festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days without losing their softness. Keeping them sealed well ensures the frosting stays creamy and the cookies don’t dry out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious bars for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each frosted bar securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These cookie bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warmed, pop an individual refrigerated portion in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the frosting slightly and makes the bars feel freshly baked without melting the sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I use different sprinkles for the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While patriotic sprinkles give that fun, festive touch perfect for summer celebrations, any colored or themed sprinkles work just fine. Feel free to customize based on the occasion or your personal preference.
Is it necessary to frost the cookie bars?
Frosting adds that creamy, sweet layer that complements the chewy cookie base, but you can definitely enjoy these bars without frosting if you prefer a simpler treat. Sprinkling some powdered sugar on top can be a nice alternative.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to maintain the texture.
How should I cut the bars to prevent crumbling?
Use a sharp knife and cut the bars once they are completely cooled and the frosting has set. Cutting with a gentle, straight motion rather than a sawing one helps keep the edges clean and prevents crumbling.
Can these bars be made vegan?
With a few substitutions like vegan butter, a flaxseed egg replacer, and a dairy-free frosting, you can definitely adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly while preserving its fantastic flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking something that brings smiles and a little sparkle to the table, and the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe does exactly that. From its tender crumb to the bursts of colorful sprinkles and luscious frosting, it’s a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try these bars yourself and make them a new favorite for your festive gatherings or whenever you want a cheerful treat.
Print
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and colorful treat perfect for celebrations. Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars are speckled with patriotic sprinkles and topped with a creamy, fluffy vanilla frosting. Easy to prepare and baked in a single dish, they make a delicious and visually appealing dessert for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup patriotic sprinkles (red, white, and blue)
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional patriotic sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Sprinkles: Gradually add the baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until smooth. Gently fold in the patriotic sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 28 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter for the frosting until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional patriotic sprinkles for decoration.
- Serve: Cut into approximately 12 squares and serve. Enjoy these festive, colorful sugar cookie bars!
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute patriotic sprinkles with any other themed sprinkles for different occasions.
- Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for thinner frosting, add more heavy cream gradually.
