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Homemade Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars photo

Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft sugar cookie bars topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and finished with festive sprinkles, M&M's, and white chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cupunsalted butter 1 1/2 sticks, room temperature
  • 1 cupgranulated sugar
  • 2 largeeggs
  • 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoonbaking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 8 Tablespoonsbutter 1 stick, room temperature
  • 3 cupspowdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 3 Tablespoonsmilk
  • Sprinkles m&m's and white chocolate chips, for topping

Equipment

  • cut and serve turner
  • Hand Mixer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks) and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  4. Add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and no large streaks of flour remain.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13-inch pan, smoothing the top so it is an even layer.
  6. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the bars are just barely set in the center and the edges are not browned. Do not overbake.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, place 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter (room temperature) and 2 cups powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
  9. Add the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  10. Add up to 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the frosting reaches a soft, spreadable consistency.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles, M&M's, and white chocolate chips as desired.
  12. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Notes
To make ahead:
The bars and frosting can be made one day in advance. Store the bars covered at room temperature and store the frosting covered in the fridge.  You could also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, frost, cut, and serve.