Irresistible Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars for 24 Joyful Bites

Nothing says “celebrate!” quite like the first bite of these Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars. I discovered this shortcut during a frantic Fourth of July when my nieces begged for decorated cookies – but who has time to frost dozens individually? These easy bars give you all the festive fun with half the work. The secret’s in the thick layer of creamy frosting that acts like a glue for those patriotic sprinkles. My grandma would approve – she always said the best desserts are the ones that bring people together without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. One batch disappears faster than actual fireworks at our family gatherings!

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Why You’ll Love These Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

Trust me, these bars are about to become your go-to for every summer celebration. Here’s why:

• Easiest decorating ever: No piping bags or cookie cutters—just spread, sprinkle, and done!
• Instant party vibes: The red, white, and blue sparkle makes everyone feel festive
• Perfect for crowds: One pan makes 24 generous bars (though they disappear fast!)
• No cookie-decorating skills required: Messy sprinkles just add to the charm

I love how the thick sugar cookie base stays soft for days—if they last that long!

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Ingredients for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

Grab these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes – it should dent when pressed)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (regular white sugar works perfectly here)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature blends smoother)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff – it makes a difference!)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and level it – no packed flour!)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder + 1/2 teaspoon salt (our little flavor boosters)
• 1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought is fine – I won’t tell!)
• 1/2 cup red, white & blue sprinkles (the more the merrier – go wild!)

See? Nothing fancy – just good old-fashioned cookie ingredients ready to party!

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How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

Ready to make the easiest patriotic dessert ever? Follow these simple steps – I promise it’s foolproof! The key is taking your time with each step for the perfect texture.

Preparing the Dough

First, grab that softened butter and sugar – this is where the magic starts! Cream them together for a good 2-3 minutes until fluffy and pale yellow. Don’t rush this step – those tiny air bubbles make the bars tender. Now beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. The batter should look glossy and smooth.

Here’s my grandma’s trick: whisk the dry ingredients separately before adding. This prevents overmixing. Gently stir in the flour mixture just until no white streaks remain. The dough will be thick – that’s perfect! It should pull away from the bowl when stirred.

Baking and Decorating

Press the dough evenly into your greased pan – I use damp fingers to prevent sticking. Bake until the edges just start turning golden, about 20-25 minutes. Watch closely after 15 minutes – overbaked bars lose that soft chew we love!

Now the fun part! Let the bars cool completely (this is non-negotiable – warm bars make melty frosting). Spread frosting right to the edges, then immediately shower with sprinkles. Pro tip: hold your sprinkles high and sprinkle in a circular motion for even coverage. The frosting sets quickly, so work fast!

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Tips for Perfect Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

After making these bars every summer for a decade, I’ve picked up some tricks that make them foolproof. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Bake just until the edges blush golden – Pull them out when the center still looks slightly underdone for ultra-soft bars that stay moist for days.
• Parchment paper is your friend – Line the pan with overhanging edges to lift the whole slab out for easy cutting.
• Store with wax paper between layers – If stacking, protect that gorgeous sprinkle topping from smudging.
• Freeze undecorated bars – Bake ahead and freeze, then frost and sprinkle the day of your party for fresh-baked taste.

My neighbor swears by adding a pinch of almond extract to the dough – give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous!

Variations for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

These bars are like a blank canvas for any holiday! Swap the red, white, and blue sprinkles for orange and black Halloween ones, pastel Easter jimmies, or green and red Christmas nonpareils. My personal favorite? Adding 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet frosting. For Valentine’s Day, I’ll sometimes mix a few drops of red food coloring into the frosting before spreading – instant conversation hearts vibes! The possibilities are endless.

Serving and Storing Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s how to keep your bars looking and tasting their best! For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature – no fridge needed! If you must stack them (though I don’t recommend it), slide a sheet of parchment between layers to protect those festive sprinkles. They’ll stay fresh for 3 days… if they last that long!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Nutrition Info

Let’s be real – we’re not eating these bars for their health benefits! But since you asked, here’s the scoop: Each generous bar packs about 180 calories of pure celebration. The nutrition varies depending on your specific ingredients (especially the frosting and sprinkles you choose). My grandma always said, “Life’s too short to count sprinkles!” These are meant to be enjoyed at parties and special occasions – not everyday snacks. The values are estimates since brands differ, but one thing’s certain: every bite delivers happiness!

Share Your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of these festive bars! Snap a photo of your sprinkle masterpiece and tag me – I love spotting them at backyard BBQs and Fourth of July parties. Did your kids go wild with the sprinkles? Perfect! Did you experiment with different colors for another holiday? Show me! Leave a comment below with your favorite variations or tips you discovered. This recipe has become such a happy tradition for so many families, and I adore hearing your stories. Happy baking, and may your celebrations be as sweet and colorful as these bars!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

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Celebrate with these festive Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars! Easier than decorating individual cookies, these bars are topped with creamy frosting and patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles. Perfect for 4th of July parties or any patriotic occasion.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vanilla frosting
• 1/2 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
5. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Let cool completely, then spread frosting over the top.
8. Decorate with sprinkles and cut into bars.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For a softer texture, slightly underbake the bars.
• Use store-bought frosting for a quicker option.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg