Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are a colorful delight! They are soft, chewy, and packed with fun sprinkles. In this easy recipe, I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll learn how to make these bars from scratch, add your favorite toppings, and store them for later. Ready to make a batch that everyone will love? Let’s dive into the sugary fun!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Colorful Celebration: These Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings joy and color to any occasion, making them perfect for parties and celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, ensuring a fun and stress-free baking experience.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The bars have a tender and chewy texture, enhanced by the buttery flavor and the fun pops of sprinkles throughout.
- Customizable Fun: You can easily modify the recipe by adding different types of sprinkles or incorporating favorite flavors, keeping it exciting every time you bake!
Ingredients
Complete Ingredient List
To make Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars, gather these ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can add your twist with these optional ingredients:
– Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer bar.
– Use different extracts, like coconut or lemon, for unique flavors.
– Swap rainbow sprinkles for chocolate chips for a fun variation.
– Add chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to swap ingredients, here are some tips:
– For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free milk.
– Replace eggs with 1/4 cup applesauce per egg for a vegan option.
– Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free treat.
– If you lack almond extract, just skip it or use more vanilla.
These ingredient choices will help you create a delicious and fun treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Then, take a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let some paper hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a medium bowl. In it, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them until well combined. Set this bowl aside for a bit.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, in a large bowl, place 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy.
Incorporating Eggs and Extracts
Add 2 large eggs to the butter and sugar mix, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. After that, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. This adds great flavor.
Combining Mixtures and Folding in Sprinkles
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. This makes your bars fun and colorful.
Baking and Cooling the Bars
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the edges; they should be light golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once baked, take the pan out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Making and Applying the Icing
While the bars cool, make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until smooth. You can add more milk if you want a thinner icing or more sugar for a thicker one.
Slicing and Serving the Bars
Once the bars have cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the icing evenly over the top. Sprinkle some extra rainbow sprinkles for fun. Finally, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the colorful burst of flavor in every bite!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars, avoid these common mistakes:
– Overmixing the Dough: This makes the bars tough. Mix just until combined.
– Skipping the Cooling Step: Let the bars cool completely before icing.
– Not Using Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
To achieve the best texture for your bars, follow these tips:
– Use Softened Butter: This helps create a light and fluffy base.
– Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
– Check for Doneness: The edges should be light golden. A toothpick should come out clean.
Presentation Tips for Serving
Make your Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars visually appealing:
– Use Colorful Plates: A bright plate makes the bars pop.
– Add Extra Sprinkles: Sprinkle more on top for a festive touch.
– Serve with Fun Napkins: Bright napkins add to the party vibe.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the bars maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
- Use Fresh Sprinkles: Make sure your rainbow sprinkles are fresh, as old sprinkles can lose their color and texture, affecting the final look of your bars.
- Adjust Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar, or for a drizzle effect, add a bit more milk to thin it out.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars by mixing in different extracts or add-ins. Try using:
– Chocolate Chips: Swap some sprinkles for chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
– Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
– Almond Joy: Mix in shredded coconut and chopped almonds for a tropical touch.
These variations add new fun to the classic recipe. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite!
Decoration Ideas
Decorating your cookie bars can make them even more special. Here are some fun ideas:
– Themed Sprinkles: Use seasonal or holiday-themed sprinkles for festive occasions.
– Drizzled Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for a rich addition.
– Fruit Toppings: Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a fresh look.
These decoration ideas can make your bars stand out at any party!
Gluten-Free or Vegan Adaptations
You can adapt this recipe to fit different diets. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Here’s how to make it vegan:
– Butter: Replace with coconut oil or a vegan butter.
– Eggs: Use flax eggs or applesauce instead of eggs.
– Milk: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk.
These swaps let everyone enjoy delicious Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Bars
To keep your Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the sprinkles vibrant. You can also cover them with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container handy.
How to Freeze Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars
Freezing these bars is easy and keeps them delicious! First, cool the bars completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Shelf Life and Freshness Tips
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars last about a week at room temperature. If stored properly, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge. Always check for any signs of dryness or staleness before serving. If they start to lose texture, try warming them in the microwave for a few seconds. This can revive their softness and flavor.
FAQs
What makes Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars different from regular sugar cookies?
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars have colorful sprinkles mixed in. This makes them fun and festive. Regular sugar cookies are just sweet and simple. The sprinkles add bright colors and a bit of crunch. They make these bars a great treat for parties or celebrations.
Can I use a different kind of flour?
Yes, you can use other flours. However, all-purpose flour gives the best texture. If you want a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. This will help keep the bars from crumbling.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a light golden edge on the bars. You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they are done. If it has wet dough on it, bake a few more minutes.
What can I do if my icing is too thick?
If your icing is too thick, add a little milk. Start with one teaspoon and mix well. Keep adding tiny amounts until it reaches your desired consistency. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. This way, you will get the perfect icing for your bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh for a few days. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap the bars tightly and they will last for about three months.
In this post, I shared how to make delicious Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfection. I also explored fun variations and storage methods. Remember to customize the bars with flavors or decorations to suit your taste. Follow the tips to avoid mistakes and keep them fresh. Enjoy baking these bars, and don’t forget to share them with friend
