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.
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
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
