Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy 4th of July Dessert Recipe

Name: Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy 4th of July Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup patriotic sprinkles (use jimmies to prevent color bleeding); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened; 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk; Extra red, white and blue sprinkles for topping

Jump to Recipe

Some of my fondest summer memories are of lazy July afternoons spent baking patriotic sugar cookie bars with my grandmother—her flour-dusted apron, the scent of vanilla wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter echoing from the kitchen to the backyard. Every 4th of July, these colorful bars would take center stage on the dessert table, sliced into thick, chewy squares and crowned with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Patriotic sugar cookie bars weren’t just a treat; they were a tradition that made every celebration feel a little more special.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a fireworks picnic, or looking for an easy crowd-pleaser, this patriotic sugar cookie bars recipe delivers. Not only are these bars soft and buttery, but they’re also incredibly festive—making them the ultimate go-to for anyone in need of a fast and fun dessert. So if you’re dreaming of a no-fail, all-American sweet that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, let these patriotic sugar cookie bars be your star-spangled solution.

In This Guide

Imagine the best parts of a sugar cookie—soft, chewy, buttery—baked into a thick, cake-like bar that’s crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting and finished with patriotic sprinkles. That’s the magic of patriotic sugar cookie bars. They deliver the perfect combination of flavor, festivity, and ease—ideal for the 4th of July and beyond. No rolling pins, no cookie cutters, and absolutely no stress.

These patriotic sugar cookie bars aren’t just delicious—they’re showstoppers. With their red, white, and blue sparkle, these American flag cookie bars light up any dessert table for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or summer picnics. Even better? This patriotic sugar cookie bars recipe is incredibly adaptable. Make them ahead, freeze the dough, or switch up the frosting if you’re short on time.

Craving more patriotic dessert ideas to brighten up your holiday spread? Explore our 4th of July Food Ideas board for patriotic party treats and follow us on Facebook for more festive dessert recipes—from patriotic sugar cookie bars to creative red, white, and blue treats, we’ve got your Independence Day menu covered!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break this down so you’re never scrambling mid-recipe:

1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup patriotic sprinkles (use “jimmies” to prevent color bleeding)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk
Extra red, white and blue sprinkles for topping

Need a shortcut? A good buttercream frosting alternative or even canned frosting will work in a pinch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is a no-chill sugar cookie dough recipe, so you can go from craving to baking in under an hour.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Creamed butter and sugar in a glass mixing bowl on a marble countertop with a red checkered towel.

Beat in the egg and vanilla.

A raw egg and vanilla extract added to creamed butter and sugar in a mixing bowl on a marble surface.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder, then slowly incorporate into the wet mixture.
Gently fold in the patriotic sprinkle.

Flour and baking powder added to wet cookie dough in a glass bowl on a marble countertop.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges. Cool completely.

Unbaked patriotic sugar cookie dough in a parchment-lined square pan with red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat together powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle generously with red, white, and blue sprinkles. Slice into bars and serve!

Stacked patriotic sugar cookie bars with white frosting and colorful sprinkles, on parchment paper with milk in the background. — Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy 4th of July Dessert Recipe 15

Looking for something no-bake for your party spread? Check out these Easy No-Bake Cookies too!

Decorating & Serving Ideas

Want to go the extra mile with your presentation? Try these festive touches:

Use star-shaped sprinkles for extra flair.
Pipe frosting in stripes for an American flag cookie bar effect.
Pair with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Serve on a tiered tray or festive platter for a party-ready display.

Pair these with a refreshing Watermelon Lemonade Summer Drink and you’ve got yourself a party!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead:

Bake the bars a day ahead and store unfrosted.
Frost the next morning for peak freshness.

Storage:

Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Defrosting Tip:

Bring frozen bars to room temperature before frosting.

Additional Tips

For cleaner cuts, chill the bars before slicing.
Add flavor twists like almond extract or lemon zest.
Double the recipe for a crowd—use a 9″x13″ pan.
Use parchment paper for easy lift-out and clean-up.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
~340	75g	4g	3g	53g

Note: This is an estimate based on a 9-bar yield.

Looking for more ways to bring the red, white, and blue into your kitchen? Try these:

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to:

Follow us on Facebook for more festive dessert recipes
Discover more creative baking inspiration on our Pinterest profile
Explore our 4th of July Food Ideas board for patriotic party treats

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! Use a 9″x13″ for thinner bars or an 11″x7″ for something in between. Adjust bake time slightly.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Use a buttercream frosting alternative or your favorite store-bought frosting.

Will the sprinkles bleed in the batter?

Use “jimmies”—they hold up best when baking with patriotic jimmies.

Can I freeze the bars?

Absolutely—freezing cookie dough bars (unfrosted) is a great time-saver.