Stars & Stripes Cookie Bars

A Red, White & Blue Treat That’s as Fun as It Is Delicious

Looking for a 4th of July dessert that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to get compliments? These Stars & Stripes Cookie Bars check all the boxes! With a soft, chewy cookie base and patriotic sprinkles, these bars are topped with vibrant frosting and candy stars to mimic the American flag.

They’re simple enough for a weekday bake sale and festive enough for your July 4th BBQ — sweet, celebratory, and ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• 🎆 Patriotic flair – Bold red, white, and blue colors and flag-inspired design

• 🍪 Soft & chewy – Thick cookie texture with golden edges and gooey centers

• 🎨 Fun to decorate – Kids can help place sprinkles and candy stars

• 🎉 Party-perfect – Easy to slice and serve to a crowd

• ⏱️ Quick to make – One pan, no chilling, no rolling

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup white chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup red, white & blue sprinkles

For the Topping:

• 1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)

• Red and blue food coloring

• Star-shaped sprinkles or candies

• Optional: Extra sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.

2. Mix the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter with both sugars until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles.

3. Bake the Bars

Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is just set. Cool completely in the pan.

4. Decorate with Stars & Stripes

Once cooled, frost the bars:

• Divide frosting into 3 bowls: leave one white, tint one red, and one blue.

• Spread blue frosting in the upper-left corner to mimic the stars section of the flag.

• Pipe or spread red and white stripes across the rest of the bars.

• Top with star sprinkles in the blue section and decorate the stripes as desired.

Refrigerate briefly to set the frosting, then lift from pan and slice into squares or rectangles.

Decorating Tips

• Use a star piping tip for frosting stripes for a fun texture.

• For cleaner lines, use a small offset spatula or food-safe stencil.

• Let kids decorate their own “flag sections” for a fun party activity!

• For extra sparkle, add edible glitter or sanding sugar to the stripes.

Variations

• Chocolate chip base: Swap white chocolate for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.

• Funfetti style: Add more sprinkles into the dough and skip the frosting for a colorful all-in-one option.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that toppings are GF-safe.

• Brownie version: Use a brownie base and decorate with red, white, and blue candy melts instead of frosting.

Storage

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate if your frosting is soft or you’re in warm weather.

• Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 1 month. Thaw, then frost and decorate before serving.

Perfect For:

• 🇺🇸 4th of July cookouts and BBQs

• 🎂 Birthday parties and bake sales

• 🧁 Potlucks and picnics

• 🧒 Kid-friendly baking projects

• 🎁 Edible gift boxes or party platters

Final Thoughts

These Stars & Stripes Cookie Bars combine the comfort of a classic cookie with the flair of a flag-themed dessert. With bright colors, sweet flavor, and endless decorating potential, they’re an ideal treat for any patriotic gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a party, heading to a picnic, or just baking with your kids, these bars are a star-spangled hit every time.