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A tray of patriotic sugar cookie bars topped with red, white, and blue frosting and sprinkles

Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and festive red, white, and blue decorations. These easy bars are perfect for patriotic celebrations and summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream, then mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan in a thin, even layer.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Divide the frosting into three portions. Leave one portion white, tint one portion red, and tint one portion blue with gel food coloring.
  11. Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars in patriotic stripes or swirls, then top with red, white, and blue sprinkles.
  12. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For clean slices, chill the frosted bars briefly before cutting. Gel food coloring works best because it adds vibrant color without thinning the frosting.