Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a festive treat that will light up any gathering! These thick and chewy cookie bars are not only easy to make but also come topped with a delightful homemade frosting and colorful red, white, and blue sprinkles. Perfect for parties, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July, these bars are sure to impress guests of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookie bars ready in no time.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Their vibrant colors make them an excellent choice for patriotic holidays and festive events.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to switch up the sprinkles or add your favorite toppings to make them unique!
- Deliciously Soft Texture: The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich flavor and a soft, chewy consistency.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into bars for easy serving—ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Parchment paper or foil
- Cooking spray
- Electric hand mixer
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- 9×13 baking dish: The perfect size for these cookie bars, allowing even baking.
- Electric hand mixer: Ideal for whipping frosting quickly to achieve a light and airy finish.
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.
For the Cookie Bars
- 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
- Patriotic sprinkles for garnish

How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then spray it lightly with cooking spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the softened butter and 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 well combined.
4. Gradually add in baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and flour; mix until smooth.
5. Gently fold in the patriotic sprinkles.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
- Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-28 minutes until lightly golden.
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While your bars are cooling:
1. In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip together softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully mixed.
3. Add salt, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream; mix until combined.
4. Increase speed to medium-high and whip for about 3 minutes until fluffy; add more cream if needed for desired consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Cookies
Once cooled:
1. Remove cookie bars from the baking dish.
2. Spread the frosting generously over the top.
3. Sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles on top if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Store
Cut into bars and serve! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars at your next celebration!
How to Serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any festive occasion. They are easy to serve and can be dressed up in various ways to impress your guests.
Individual Servings
- Cut into Squares: Slice the cookie bars into small squares for individual servings, making them easy to grab and enjoy.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla or patriotic-themed ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Party Platter
- Arrange on a Platter: Place the cookie bars on a decorative platter and sprinkle additional patriotic sprinkles on top for visual appeal.
- Add Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to enhance the festive look and taste.
Beverage Pairings
- Pair with Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Serve with Milk: Classic milk is always a hit when serving cookies, offering a nostalgic touch.
How to Perfect Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker bars that hold their shape better.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a fluffier texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour to avoid tough bars; overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
- Customize Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon in your frosting for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These cookie bars can be paired with other dishes to create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some tasty suggestions.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites add creamy richness that pairs nicely with the sugary flavors.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats offer a delightful contrast in flavor and texture alongside the cookie bars.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The tartness of pineapple complements the sweetness of sugar cookie bars beautifully.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer a variety of mini cupcakes in different flavors for guests who may want more than one treat.
- Patriotic Jello Cups: Layered red, white, and blue jello cups add a fun, festive touch to your dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars, avoiding a few common mistakes can elevate your baking game.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into warm bars can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer for precise results.
- Forgetting to line the pan: Not lining your baking dish may cause sticking. Always use parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in a cool area away from sunlight to maintain freshness.
Freezing Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Place cookie bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars recipe special?
These cookie bars are festive with their red, white, and blue sprinkles, making them perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July.
Can I customize the sprinkles in the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any color sprinkles that match your event theme or even add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
How long do Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars last?
Stored properly, they will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Are these cookie bars suitable for parties?
Yes! The thick and easy-to-serve nature of these bars makes them ideal for any gathering or celebration.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a favorite at parties. Their easy preparation allows you to customize with different colors of sprinkles or flavors. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating a festive treat that everyone will love!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive dessert, perfect for any celebration! Bursting with patriotic colors, these thick and chewy cookie bars are topped with a luscious homemade frosting and vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also ideal for gatherings such as Fourth of July parties, birthdays, or family get-togethers. With their soft texture and delightful flavor, these cookie bars will surely impress guests of all ages. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a unique twist!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup patriotic sprinkles
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 together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and flour; mix until smooth. Fold in sprinkles.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-28 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Chill the dough for thicker bars. Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Customize sprinkles or frosting flavors to match your event theme.