Name: Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ Cup Unsalted Butter; 1 Cup Granulated Sugar; 1 Whole Egg; 1 Egg Yolk; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon Almond Extract; 2 Cups All Purpose Flour; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ Cup Rainbow Sprinkles; 1 Cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter; ¼ Cup Vegetable Shortening; 3 Cups Powdered Sugar; ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract; Rainbow Sprinkles for Garnish

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Introduction

These Funfetti Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat. Soft, buttery bars are loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with fluffy buttercream frosting for a colorful and festive finish.

A white plate filled with neatly cut square pieces of a light yellow cake topped with smooth white frosting and colorful sprinkles scattered evenly on top. There is a lit sparkler with a star shape held by a woman's hand close to the center of the cake, shining bright sparks that add a festive look. In the background, a white bowl filled with white frosting sits slightly blurred on a white marbled surface. The overall scene looks cheerful and lively with soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup rainbow sprinkles
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, for frosting
¼ cup vegetable shortening
3 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting
Rainbow sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3: Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the ½ cup unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined.
Step 5: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, mixing just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and press evenly into the corners and edges.
Step 8: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges have a very light golden color.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before removing.
Step 10: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. Cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and ¼ cup vegetable shortening until creamy.
Step 11: Add the ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 12: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
Step 13: Garnish with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive look.
Step 14: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the frosted bars for 5 minutes to set the frosting, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts for the best flavor.
Swap rainbow sprinkles for chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for a different twist.
To make frosting easier to spread, ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before applying.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and shortening with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated. To serve refrigerated bars, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer texture. These bars do not freeze well once frosted.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with neatly cut square pieces of a light yellow cake covered with smooth white frosting, each topped with colorful sprinkles in blue, pink, orange, and purple. In the foreground, a sparkler shaped like a star burns brightly, creating small sparks above the cake. To the left, a white bowl of extra frosting sits slightly blurred. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the cake’s texture and the festive sparkler. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without sprinkles?

Yes, you can omit the sprinkles if you prefer a classic sugar cookie bar. The bars will still be delicious and buttery without them.

How do I get clean, straight cuts on frosted bars?

Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for smooth, clean slices.