Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Published: July 6, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookie bars in no time.
Perfect for Celebrations: The vibrant colors and festive toppings make them a hit at any party.
Customizable Toppings: You can easily modify the sprinkles or frosting flavors to suit different occasions.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars have a perfect texture that keeps them moist and satisfying.
Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving or packaging for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Baking dish (9×13)
Parchment paper or foil
Cooking spray
Electric hand mixer
Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This tool ensures your butter and sugar are creamed thoroughly for a light texture.
Baking dish: A 9×13 baking dish is ideal for even cooking and easy cutting.
Electric hand mixer: Perfect for whipping your frosting quickly to achieve that fluffy consistency.

Ingredients

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect thick and easy cookie bar for a party – these have a homemade frosting and lots of red, white and blue sprinkles.

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
½ cup patriotic sprinkles

For the Frosting

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (226g) powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For Garnish

Patriotic sprinkles for garnish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then lightly spray it with cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in:
1. Baking soda,
2. Cream of tartar,
3. Salt,
4. All-purpose flour.

Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the patriotic sprinkles.

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish:
1. Bake for 20-28 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
3. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While cooling:
1. In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, whip together softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully mixed.
3. Stir in salt, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream; mix until combined.
4. Increase speed to medium-high, whipping for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy; add more cream as necessary for desired consistency.

Step 6: Frosting & Serving

Once cooled:
1. Remove cookie from baking dish and frost evenly on top.
2. Add more patriotic sprinkles if desired.
3. Cut into bars and serve!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Enjoy your delicious Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are a vibrant and festive treat, perfect for any gathering. Serving these colorful bars can elevate your party atmosphere, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Festive Plate Presentation

Arrange the cookie bars on a large, colorful platter to create a visually appealing display.
Use red, white, and blue decorative napkins to enhance the festive theme.

Ice Cream Pairing

Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances sweetness.
Consider adding a scoop of strawberry or blue raspberry sorbet for an extra pop of flavor.

Birthday Celebration Treats

Cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthday parties.
Offer them with birthday candles on top for a celebratory touch.

Picnic-Friendly Snack

Pack the cookie bars in individual portions for easy sharing at outdoor events.
Include some fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries to complement the cookies.

Holiday Dessert Table

Place these bars on your holiday dessert table as a standout option.
Mix with other desserts like pies and cakes to create variety.

Gift-Worthy Packaging

Wrap individual cookie bars in clear cellophane with festive ribbons.
Give as party favors or homemade gifts during celebrations.

To ensure your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. These insights will elevate both the texture and taste of your tasty treats.

Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming it with sugar.
Avoid overmixing – Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookie bars; stop once you see no dry flour.
Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s accuracy; baking at the right temperature is key.
Cool completely before frosting – Frosting warm bars can melt the frosting and make it runny; patience pays off!
Experiment with sprinkles – Try different colors or types of sprinkles to match various themes or occasions.
Store properly – Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

While Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake squares provide creamy richness that balances the sugary flavors.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels – Salty pretzels coated in chocolate offer a sweet-salty treat alongside cookies.
Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that pairs well with sweets.
Patriotic Jello Cups – Create jello cups in red, white, and blue layers for an eye-catching side dish.
Mini Cupcakes – Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors that complement the sugar cookies.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up an ice cream station where guests can build their own sundaes as a fun addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars is a fun and easy process, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar, resulting in dense bars. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft and chewy result.
Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately.
Skipping the cooling time: Frosting warm bars can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cookie bars to cool completely before adding frosting.
Ignoring storage instructions: Improper storage can lead to stale cookies. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the bars for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for 10-15 seconds; check if warmed through.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can add different types of sprinkles or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

The colorful red, white, and blue sprinkles make them perfect for celebrations like Independence Day or other patriotic events.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and follow the same instructions.

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their festive appearance makes them perfect for any celebration. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. These easy cookie bars are sure to delight friends and family alike—so why wait? Try making them today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Vanessa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat that will add joy to any celebration. With their thick, chewy texture, these cookie bars feature a homemade frosting topped with vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles, making them perfect for occasions like the Fourth of July or birthday parties. They’re easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet they deliver an impressive visual appeal and delightful flavor that both kids and adults will love. These cookie bars not only offer a sweet indulgence but also serve as a great canvas for customization—feel free to experiment with different sprinkles or frosting flavors to match your event theme. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion or looking for a fun dessert to share with friends, these Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to be the star of the show.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup patriotic sprinkles
Frosting: ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a stand mixer, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually incorporate baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and flour until smooth; fold in patriotic sprinkles.
Press dough into the prepared dish and bake for 20-28 minutes until golden; cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, beat softened butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and cream until fluffy.
Once cooled, frost the cookie bars and top with additional sprinkles before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: <1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Pin1

1 Shares

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe