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Perfect Star-Spangled Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

star-spangled sugar cookie bars - featured image
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These sugar cookie bars feature a soft, buttery base topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles, perfect for patriotic occasions and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (35 grams) red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles or sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter on low speed just until combined.
  6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing down smoothly.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  10. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, then gradually mix in 3 cups powdered sugar until thick but spreadable.
  11. Frost the cooled bars evenly using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  12. Sprinkle the red, white, and blue decorations across the top while the frosting is still soft.
  13. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep bars tender. Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Chill frosting if too soft. Warm knife under hot water for clean slicing. Frosting can be prepared a day ahead and re-whipped for fluffiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, easy sugar cookies, summer dessert, festive dessert

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/perfect-star-spangled-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-delicious/