4th of July Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and easy dessert for your Fourth of July celebration, these July 4th Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-try! Soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting and sprinkles, these cookie bars are perfect for parties, BBQs, or any summer gathering. The best part? They’re completely vegan-friendly and require simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic, or just want a sweet red, white, and blue treat, these sugar cookie bars are the perfect dessert to bring along. Plus, they come together in under an hour and are so much easier than rolling and cutting traditional sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love These July 4th Sugar Cookie Bars

• Quick & Easy: No rolling or cutting needed—just press the dough into a pan and bake!

• Perfectly Soft & Chewy: These bars are soft in the center with just the right amount of chewiness.

• Festive & Fun: Colorful sprinkles and creamy frosting make these bars the star of any Fourth of July dessert table.

• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and nondairy milk, but you'd never know the difference!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted

• 10 tablespoons white sugar

• 1/4 cup PLUS 1 tablespoon nondairy milk (any variety works)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sprinkles (red, white, and blue for that patriotic touch!)

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons nondairy milk

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

• Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

• Use vegan butter sticks, not spreadable margarine, for best results.

• Get creative with your sprinkles! Stars, stripes, or even edible glitter make these extra festive.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

The Perfect Fourth of July Dessert

These July 4th Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect easy dessert for summer parties, cookouts, and fireworks celebrations. They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with patriotic colors. Whether you're vegan or just looking for a fun, kid-friendly recipe, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

Looking for more easy July 4th dessert recipes? Try pairing these cookie bars with fruit kabobs or vegan ice cream for the ultimate summer treat.

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
  Substitution: Coconut oil (refined for a neutral taste) or regular dairy butter if not vegan.

• 10 tablespoons white sugar
  Substitution: Coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option, though bars will be darker in color.

• 1/4 cup PLUS 1 tablespoon nondairy milk (any variety works)
  Substitution: Oat, almond, soy, or even regular milk if not vegan.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Substitution: Almond extract for a slightly different flavor twist.

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  Substitution: Gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.

• 1/2 cup sprinkles (red, white, and blue for that patriotic touch!)
  Substitution: Omit or use naturally colored sprinkles for a dye-free option. Mini chocolate chips also work for a different vibe.

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  Substitution: Coconut oil (solid, not melted) or regular butter if not vegan.

• 2 cups powdered sugar
  Substitution: Organic powdered sugar or homemade powdered coconut sugar (note: flavor and color will vary).

• 2-3 tablespoons nondairy milk
  Substitution: Any plant-based milk or regular milk.

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Substitution: Almond extract or lemon extract for a fun flavor twist.

Ingredients:

• Vegan butter

• White sugar

• Nondairy milk

• Vanilla extract

• Baking powder

• All-purpose flour

• Sprinkles

• Powdered sugar

Recipe:

Bars:

• 1/3 cup vegan butter (melted)

• 10 tablespoons white sugar

• 1/4 cup PLUS 1 tablespoon nondairy milk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/3 cup flour

• 1/2 cup sprinkles

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup softened butter

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons nondairy milk

• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted vegan butter and sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the nondairy milk and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Next, add the baking powder and flour. Stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in the red, white, and blue sprinkles for that festive Fourth of July look.

Step 2: Bake the Bars
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of nondairy milk. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Top with extra sprinkles for an extra patriotic touch. Slice into squares and serve!
Be sure to store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be stored in the freezer for longer.