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Birthday Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 squares 1x

Description

Festive rainbow sprinkle cookie bars, perfect for birthdays! Easy to make, packed with white chocolate chips and optional nuts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for topping
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream together the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  2. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t overmix.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in the sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and nuts (if using): Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
  6. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  7. Press the dough into the prepared pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Add extra sprinkles (optional): Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles over the top of the cookie dough for a festive look.
  9. Bake the cookie bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool completely: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  11. Cut into squares: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, cut them into squares using a sharp knife.
  12. Serve and enjoy: Serve the cookie bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use softened butter for a tender texture.
  • Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookie bars.
  • Don’t overbake the cookie bars to prevent dryness.
  • Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dried fruit.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes