Get ready to bake! Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are fun, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser. You'll love this simple recipe that transforms classic sugar cookies into vibrant, cheerful bars packed with sprinkles. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to brighten your day. I’m excited to share the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delightful treat. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Colorful Presentation: These funfetti sugar cookie bars are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their vibrant rainbow sprinkles, making them perfect for celebrations.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, requiring just one bowl for the dough and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The bars have a delightful soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, providing the ultimate comfort in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding different mix-ins or adjusting the frosting to match any occasion, allowing for endless creativity.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make funfetti sugar cookie bars. Gather these items before you start:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Having all the ingredients ready makes baking easier and more fun. You can find most of these items in your kitchen. If you don’t have rainbow sprinkles, feel free to use other colors or shapes. The fun part is letting your creativity shine! Each ingredient plays a role in making these bars soft and sweet. The butter adds richness, while the sugars bring sweetness. The sprinkles give a joyful touch. Enjoy the process of gathering and preparing these ingredients. It sets the stage for a delightful baking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this aside for now.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Mixing and Baking
1. Add 2 large eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and blend it in.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft cookie bars.
3. Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. Then, spread the dough into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
Baking and Cooling
1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when they are ready.
2. Once baked, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Bars
How to avoid overmixing To keep your cookie bars soft, mix just enough. After adding the dry mix, stir until you see no flour. Overmixing makes the bars tough. Remember, lumps are okay!
Tips for achieving the right consistency Aim for a thick dough that holds shape. If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk. The dough should be easy to spread, not crumbly.
Frosting Tips
Making the frosting smooth For a smooth frosting, mix powdered sugar and milk well. Use room temperature milk for best results. This helps blend the sugar evenly. If it’s too thick, add more milk, a little at a time.
How to achieve the best drizzle To make a pretty drizzle, thin the frosting slightly. Use a whisk to create a pourable consistency. A squeeze bottle helps control the drizzle for a neat look.
Enhancing Flavor
Suggestions for flavored extracts For a twist, add almond or lemon extract. Just a teaspoon can brighten the taste. Experiment with different flavors to make them unique.
Substitutions for different types of sugars You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar. This gives a deeper, caramel flavor. For a lighter taste, use all granulated sugar. Each choice changes the cookie bars a bit!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker and chewier bars, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookie bars; removing them from the oven while they're still slightly underbaked will keep them soft and chewy.
- Decorate with Extra Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add more rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosting right before serving.
Variations
Alternative Mix-Ins
You can make funfetti sugar cookie bars even better with different mix-ins.
- Using different types of sprinkles: While rainbow sprinkles are classic, try using chocolate sprinkles or star-shaped sprinkles for a twist. Each type adds a unique look and taste to your bars.
- Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts: Add a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough. These mix-ins give your cookie bars a rich flavor and a pleasing crunch.
Dietary Modifications
If you follow a special diet, you can still enjoy these cookie bars.
- Gluten-free options: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Vegan substitutions: Replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly treat.
Different Sizes and Shapes
Change the size and shape of your cookie bars for fun and variety.
- Making mini bars or individual cookies: You can scoop out smaller portions of dough to make mini bars or individual cookies. Just adjust the baking time to around 10-15 minutes.
- Adjusting baking times for variations: If you make thicker bars, bake them for a few extra minutes. Always check with a toothpick to make sure they are done.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your funfetti sugar cookie bars fresh, you have a couple of great options.
- Storing at room temperature: Place the cooled bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure the container is sealed well to avoid drying out.
- Refrigerating for longer freshness: If you want them to last longer, store the bars in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to a week. Just like before, use an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and delicious.
Freezing Instructions
Want to save some bars for later? Freezing is a great choice.
- How to freeze cookie bars: Cut the bars into squares. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Then, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and reheating tips: To enjoy your frozen bars, take out as many as you like. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want them warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Enjoy the fresh-baked taste!
FAQs
Common Questions
How long do funfetti sugar cookie bars last? Funfetti sugar cookie bars stay fresh for about a week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them. This keeps them soft and tasty.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine. It works well in the recipe. Just make sure it’s softened like butter. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still taste great!
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version? You can use applesauce or mashed bananas. About ¼ cup will replace one egg. This keeps the bars moist and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also try flaxseed meal mixed with water.
Troubleshooting Tips
Why did my cookie bars turn out flat? Flat cookie bars often happen from too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately. Also, check the baking soda is fresh. Old baking soda won't help them rise.
How do I know when they are done baking? Check the edges for a light golden color. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are done. They might look slightly underbaked in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with funfetti sugar cookie bars? These bars pair well with vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk. You can also serve them with fresh fruit for a nice balance. Try adding whipped cream on top for extra fun!
Can I add toppings before or after baking? You can sprinkle some toppings like chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking. For a colorful touch, add more sprinkles after baking. This keeps them bright and fun!
In this post, we explored how to craft delicious funfetti sugar cookie bars. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned ways to enhance flavors and make dietary modifications. Don’t forget the best storage practices to keep them fresh. Experiment with variations to fit your taste. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats! They will surely bring joy to everyone who tries them. Trust your skills, and let creativity shine in your kitchen!
