Birthday Cookie Bars

Birthday Cookie Bars are a fun, festive treat perfect for celebrations or when you want to indulge your sweet tooth! These chewy, colorful bars are packed with sprinkles and have the delightful texture of cookies in a shareable bar form. They’re easy to make and sure to impress kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable for any occasion with different sprinkles or add-ins.
• Perfect balance of chewy and soft textures.
• Great for parties, potlucks, or as a lunchbox treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sprinkles
• White chocolate chips or other mix-ins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in sprinkles and mix-ins: Gently stir in sprinkles and white chocolate chips (if using).
7. Transfer to pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars (depending on how you cut them)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or use a combination of white and dark chocolate.
• Holiday Theme: Swap out the sprinkles for holiday-specific colors to suit Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie bar, microwave it for 10–15 seconds or place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well for several days, making them ideal for prepping in advance.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed.

3. How can I make these bars dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

5. Can I omit the sprinkles?

Yes, though the sprinkles add a fun, festive touch, you can leave them out or substitute with another mix-in.

6. What type of pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a smaller one for thicker bars.

7. How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

8. Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

9. How can I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding?

Use jimmies or confetti sprinkles, which are less likely to bleed into the batter.

10. Can I add frosting to these bars?

Yes! A layer of buttercream frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take these bars to the next level.

Conclusion

Birthday Cookie Bars are a delightful and versatile dessert that’s sure to bring joy to any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun variation, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for sharing, they’re as easy to make as they are to enjoy!

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