Birthday Cookie Bars

Birthday Cookie Bars are a festive, chewy, and buttery dessert packed with colorful sprinkles and classic birthday cake flavor. Perfect for celebrations, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and fun, these bars are quick to whip up and always a hit. They’re like a party in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make with basic pantry ingredients.
• Fun and festive, perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
• No need to roll or shape cookies—just press the dough into a pan and bake.
• Soft, chewy texture with pops of crunch from sprinkles.
• Customizable with different mix-ins like chocolate chips or candy.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for classic birthday cake flavor)
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
• Optional mix-ins: White chocolate chips, candy pieces, or chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Beat until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in Sprinkles:
   • Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to avoid color bleeding.
6. Spread the Dough:
   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Cut:
   • Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or mini M&Ms.
• Holiday-Themed: Use holiday-specific sprinkles for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a tangy touch.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! They stay fresh for several days, making them great for prepping in advance.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan if doubling the recipe.

What type of sprinkles should I use?

Use jimmies (long, rod-shaped sprinkles) as they hold up best in the dough and don’t bleed as much.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add frosting?

Yes! A layer of vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting on top makes these bars even more decadent.

Can I make this dough into individual cookies?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for cookies instead of bars.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative for similar results.

Are these bars chewy or cakey?

These bars have a soft and chewy texture, but slightly underbaking them enhances their chewiness.

Can I use other extracts?

Yes, try using coconut, lemon, or peppermint extract to match different themes or flavors.

Conclusion

Birthday Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat that’s easy to make and loved by all. With their soft and chewy texture, colorful sprinkles, and buttery flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any celebration or snack table. Customize them to match your party theme, or enjoy them as a simple yet indulgent dessert. Bake up a batch today and spread some sweetness!

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