Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars

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Introduction

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate combination of festive and delicious, a soft and chewy dessert that brings the joy of sprinkles into every bite. Each bar is infused with the buttery richness of sugar cookies and topped with a creamy frosting, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to spread happiness with their colorful and playful vibes.

One of the things I love most about these bars is how they light up a room. The vibrant sprinkles embedded in the cookie base and scattered over the frosting make them look almost too pretty to eat—but trust me, you’ll want to. I remember making these for a friend’s party and watching everyone’s faces light up as they reached for seconds (and thirds). It’s a dessert that brings people together and sparks instant joy.

What’s even better is how simple they are to make. You can whip them up in no time with pantry staples, and the results are consistently crowd-pleasing. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—change up the sprinkle colors to match your theme, experiment with different frosting flavors, or even add a touch of almond extract for a unique twist. Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are guaranteed to be a hit, no matter the occasion—they’re just that delightful!

Perfect for:

  • Birthday parties
  • School events and bake sales
  • Festive celebrations like Easter, Christmas, or baby showers
  • Everyday indulgence
  • Gifting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques or tools are needed—simply mix, spread, and bake. These bars save time by skipping the effort of rolling out individual cookies, making them ideal for busy schedules.
  • Visually Stunning: The vibrant sprinkles make these bars a show-stopping dessert for any celebration. Their festive and cheerful appearance instantly elevates the dessert table, drawing everyone’s attention.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: The buttery, rich dough bakes into perfectly soft and chewy bars that melt in your mouth, offering a texture that’s as enjoyable as their flavor.
  • Customizable: With endless possibilities for sprinkle combinations, you can adapt these bars for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, or sports events—adding a personal touch to each batch.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these funfetti bars are a surefire hit at gatherings, potlucks, or lunchbox treats. Their universal appeal ensures there won’t be any leftovers!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 16–20 bars
  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 200–250 calories

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Extra sprinkles for topping

Ingredient Highlights

  • Sprinkles: The star of this recipe, sprinkles add vibrant color and a playful touch.
  • Butter: Creates a soft and rich sugar cookie base and frosting.
  • Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Add depth to the cookie and frosting flavors.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and sweet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Bars

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
  5. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the sprinkles gently.
  6. Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

  1. Make the Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well between additions.
  2. Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream as needed.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate

  1. Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base.
  2. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle the extra sprinkles generously over the frosting for a festive finish.

How to Serve

  • As Party Treats: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve on a decorative platter for parties.
  • With Beverages: Pair with coffee, milk, or tea for a delightful snack.
  • Gifting: Wrap individual bars in clear packaging for a cheerful homemade gift.
  • Custom Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for themed events.

Additional Tips

  • Cooling is Key: Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Makes lifting the cookie bars out of the pan much easier.
  • Customize Sprinkles: Match sprinkle colors to holiday themes or personal preferences.
  • Don’t Overbake: To maintain a soft and chewy texture, remove the bars from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Funfetti Bars: For chocolate lovers, fold mini chocolate chips into the batter. These pockets of chocolate add richness and balance the sweetness of the frosting, offering a fun and indulgent twist on the classic funfetti bars.
  2. Lemon Sugar Bars: Brighten up the flavor by incorporating lemon zest into both the batter and frosting. The citrusy notes provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, making these bars perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
  3. Gluten-Free Version: Transform these funfetti bars into a gluten-free treat by using a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. This simple swap ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy them without compromising on flavor or texture.
  4. Seasonal Sprinkles: Customize your funfetti bars to match any occasion by swapping the rainbow sprinkles for seasonal varieties. Use red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or pastel colors for Easter. It’s a simple way to make these bars festive and celebration-ready.
  5. Mini Bars: For a bite-sized version, cut the finished funfetti bars into smaller squares. These mini bars are perfect for parties, snack tables, or when you want a more manageable treat. They’re also great for kids or portion control while maintaining all the fun and flavor!

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: To preserve freshness, place the frosted bars on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once firm, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
  • Storage: For optimal taste and texture, keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If you prefer them chilled or need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Special Equipment

  • 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Essential for evenly baked bars.
  • Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar and beating the frosting easier.
  • Offset Spatula: For evenly spreading the frosting.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I skip the almond extract?
    Yes, the bars will still taste great with just vanilla extract.
  2. What if I don’t have sprinkles?
    You can substitute mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different texture.
  3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    Butter is preferred for its flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
  4. How do I know the bars are done?
    Check for lightly golden edges; the center may look slightly underbaked but will set as it cools.
  5. Can I freeze the cookie bars without frosting them?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncut, unfrosted bars for up to 3 months and frost them after thawing.

Conclusion

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are a vibrant and cheerful dessert that combines the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the festive pop of colorful sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, these bars are easy to make and bring joy to kids and adults alike. Their buttery, vanilla-rich flavor pairs wonderfully with a simple glaze or frosting on top, making them irresistible and customizable to suit any occasion.

With minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients, they’re an excellent option for busy days when you want a homemade sweet with maximum impact. Let the fun sprinkles shine and add your personal flair with creative toppings or themes.

Bake a batch today and fill your kitchen with fun and delicious aromas! Share your creations on Instagram with a tag so we can marvel at your sprinkle-filled success. Happy baking!

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