Are you ready to sweeten your day? These Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple way to bring joy to your kitchen. You’ll find a delightful blend of colorful sprinkles and sweet chocolate chips in every bite. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps and helpful tips to make these bars a hit. Let’s get baking and create a treat that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fun: These cookie bars are not only sweet but also bursting with color, making them perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal effort, anyone can whip up these delightful treats in no time.
- Soft and Chewy: The combination of butter and sugars creates a wonderfully soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or sprinkles to make these bars uniquely yours, catering to any occasion!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Mix-ins
– 1 cup colorful sprinkles (jimmies recommended)
– ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
These ingredients make Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars a joy to bake. The dry ingredients start with all-purpose flour, which gives the bars structure. Baking soda adds lift, while salt enhances the sweet flavor.
For the wet ingredients, use unsalted butter for the best taste. Creaming the butter with both sugars creates a light mixture. The brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. Vanilla extract gives a nice aroma, and the eggs bind everything together.
Now, let’s talk about mix-ins! Colorful sprinkles are a must for that fun look. I always recommend jimmies, as they hold their shape in the oven. If you like white chocolate, toss in those chips for extra sweetness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a batch of delightful cookie bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to getting the right texture. While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let some paper hang over the sides. This helps later when lifting the bars out.
Mixing the Ingredients
– Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
– Cream together butter and sugars.
– Incorporate eggs and vanilla into the mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps the cookie bars rise. Next, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. You want it light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until it is smooth and creamy.
Combining and Baking
– Slowly mix wet and dry ingredients together.
– Fold in sprinkles and chocolate chips.
– Spread dough in the baking pan and bake.
Now, take your dry mix and slowly add it to the butter mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to over-mix; we want fluffy bars! Next, fold in the colorful sprinkles and white chocolate chips. Make sure they get evenly spread throughout. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They are done when the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For soft and chewy bars, creaming butter and sugars is key. Start with room temperature butter. This helps it blend well with the sugars. Mix them for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy. This adds air, making your bars light. Be cautious when mixing in the flour. Over-mixing can make them tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour.
Baking Tips
Baking time is crucial. Set your timer for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges. They should turn a lovely golden brown. To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. If there is wet dough, bake a few more minutes.
Presentation Tips
To make your bars extra fun, serve them on a colorful platter. After cutting, sprinkle extra jimmies on top. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate. This adds a nice touch and more sweetness. Everyone loves a pretty dessert, and these tips make it pop!
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 flavors.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Choose Quality Sprinkles: Opt for jimmies rather than nonpareils, as jimmies hold their shape better during baking and won’t bleed color into the dough.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can switch things up with different flavors. Try butterscotch or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips. They add a new twist that kids love. You can also use different kinds of sprinkles. Look for themed sprinkles like hearts for Valentine’s Day or spooky shapes for Halloween. This will make your cookie bars even more fun and festive.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free bars, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many options work well. For dairy-free cookie bars, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the recipe tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Themed Variations
You can customize these cookie bars for any holiday. Use holiday-themed sprinkles and fun toppings. For summer, add fresh fruits like blueberries or strawberries. These seasonal touches make your cookie bars special and delicious. Everyone will love the tasty changes!
Storage Info
Shelf Life
You can keep these Funfetti sugar cookie bars at room temperature for up to one week. Just make sure they stay in a cool place. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They freeze well for about three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your cookie bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass or plastic container with a lid works great. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between each layer. This step helps to avoid stickiness. It also keeps the colorful sprinkles looking bright and fun.
Reheating Instructions
If you want to enjoy soft cookie bars again, you can reheat them. Use the microwave for a quick fix. Heat each bar for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C) and heat the bars for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps keep them soft and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. The cookie bars will still taste great. Margarine has a similar fat content, so it works well in baking. Just make sure it’s softened like butter. This helps with mixing.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
You can tell when the cookie bars are done by looking at the edges. They should be a lovely golden brown. You can also use a toothpick. Insert it in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Baking time is usually 20-25 minutes.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cookie bars ahead of time. You can bake them and store them in an airtight container. They last up to a week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to three months. Just thaw them before serving.
This blog post covered the key ingredients, mixing steps, and baking tips for making delicious cookie bars. You can customize them with fun add-ins or dietary swaps. Remember to store them right to keep them fresh. Whether for a party or just a treat, these bars are sure to please. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty delight
