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Perfect Fourth of July Confetti Cookie Bars Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

fourth of july confetti cookie bars - featured image
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These festive confetti cookie bars feature a tender, buttery base topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles, perfect for summer celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (90g) rainbow confetti sprinkles
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Additional confetti sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined; the batter may look slightly curdled.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no dry flour remains; avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold ½ cup rainbow confetti sprinkles into the dough, distributing evenly without smushing the colors.
  7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing down gently to create a smooth surface.
  8. Bake for 25-28 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool completely for about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  10. While bars cool, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating on low until combined, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt.
  12. Beat on high for 1-2 minutes until frosting is fluffy.
  13. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars using a spatula.
  14. Sprinkle with extra confetti sprinkles for a festive touch.
  15. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into squares.
  16. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan for clean cuts.

Notes

Use softened butter and cream cheese at room temperature for best results. Avoid overmixing the flour to keep bars tender. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use high-quality sprinkles to avoid color bleeding. For neat slicing, chill bars and use a warm, sharp knife.

Nutrition

Keywords: confetti cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, Fourth of July dessert, summer party dessert, easy cookie bars, festive dessert

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