Firecracker Cookie Bars

These Firecracker Cookie Bars are bursting with patriotic flair! With chewy sugar cookie layers and red, white, and blue sprinkles throughout, they’re the perfect easy treat for Fourth of July picnics, BBQs, or parties. Cut into squares or stars for extra festive fun!

Why Everyone Loves Them

• Chewy, soft sugar cookie texture
• Festive look with minimal effort
• Fun to make with kids
• No need to chill the dough
• Freezer-friendly for easy prep

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes! You can press store-bought dough into the pan and stir in sprinkles for a shortcut version.

Do the sprinkles melt in the batter?
Most will hold their shape, but jimmies work best. Avoid nonpareils which can bleed color.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a large sheet pan and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Firecracker Cookie Bars

Jana Rae

These Firecracker Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and full of red, white, and blue sprinkles! Perfect for Fourth of July parties and picnics—festive and easy to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup red white, and blue sprinkles (plus more for topping)

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Fold in red, white, and blue sprinkles with a spatula.
• Press dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra sprinkles on top.
• Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and center is set.
• Let cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares or use a star-shaped cookie cutter for added flair!

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Make Ahead: Bake a day before your picnic—the flavor gets even better overnight.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Fun Shapes: Use patriotic cookie cutters after baking for themed cookie bites!
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.