These festive cookie bars are soft on the inside with crispy edges, packed with chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles. Topped with a sweet vanilla frosting, they’re perfect for celebrating patriotic holidays like the 4th of July.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: Vibrant colors make them ideal for holiday gatherings.
Soft and Chewy: Achieved by incorporating cornstarch into the batter.
Easy to Make: No need to scoop individual cookies; simply spread the dough in a pan.
Customizable: Use your choice of chocolate chips and sprinkles to suit your preference.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

¾ cup salted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms
½ cup red, white, and blue sprinkles
¾ cup milk chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

¾ cup salted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, room temperature
½ teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a metal 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until incorporated.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles using a spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until well combined.
- If needed, add more cream to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Divide the frosting into three bowls.
- Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue to another, leaving the third bowl white.
- Using a piping bag with a large tip, pipe alternating colors along the edges of the bars.
- Top with additional sprinkles if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

Without Frosting: These bars are delicious even without frosting; simply omit it if desired.
Chocolate Choices: Feel free to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
Sprinkle Options: Choose sprinkles that won’t bleed color; confetti quins are a good option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a glass baking pan instead of metal?

Metal pans provide more even baking results. If using a glass pan, monitor baking time closely, as it may vary.

2. Are these bars suitable for transport?

Yes, they are easy to transport, especially when using a metal pan with a lid.

3. Can I use different colored sprinkles?

Yes, choose non-bleeding sprinkles to maintain the bars’ appearance.

4. How do I prevent the frosting colors from mixing?

Pipe the frosting carefully and avoid overlapping colors to keep them distinct.

5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two in advance.

Conclusion

These Red, White & Blue Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines festive colors with delicious flavors. Whether for a holiday celebration or a special occasion, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Red, White & Blue Cookie Bars

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Author: Paula
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 12 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Red, White & Blue Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July. Soft and chewy with a crispy edge, these cookie bars are packed with colorful M&Ms, milk chocolate chips, and sprinkles, all topped with a sweet vanilla frosting. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a fun and vibrant way to celebrate with family and friends.

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Bars:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and set aside. In a stand mixer, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake:
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a stand mixer, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until well combined. If necessary, add more cream to reach your desired frosting consistency.
Color the Frosting:
Divide the frosting into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue to another, leaving the third bowl white. Using a piping bag with a large tip, pipe the frosting in alternating colors along the edges of the cookie bars. Top with extra sprinkles if desired.
Serve:
Once decorated, cut into 12 slices and serve!

Notes

Without Frosting: These cookie bars are delicious without the frosting as well. Simply skip it for a simpler version.

Chocolate Choices: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can be used instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor.

Sprinkles: Choose non-bleeding sprinkles, like confetti quins, to keep the vibrant colors intact.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American