These Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors make them an excellent choice for celebrations like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic gathering. With a delightful combination of chocolate chips and a creamy frosting, these bars stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of brown sugar, mini chocolate chips, and vanilla milk chips creates a rich flavor that is hard to resist.
- Perfect for Celebrations: With their red, white, and blue theme, these cookie bars are ideal for patriotic holidays and gatherings.
- Versatile Treat: They can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
- Shareable Size: One batch makes 18 generous bars, perfect for sharing at parties or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delightful cookie bars, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a smooth batter.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan provides the right size for even baking and easy cutting into bars.
Ingredients
These are sincerely, the most perfect sweet treat to share with your circle of friends for the holidays of red, white and blue!
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup vanilla milk chips (or white chocolate chips)
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
How to Make Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to easily lift out the bars once baked.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, flour, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and vanilla milk chips using a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely before applying frosting.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
For the frosting, beat together softened butter with powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Step 9: Frost Your Bars
Spread the frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars. Cut into squares or rectangles to serve.
Enjoy your deliciously festive Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
How to Serve Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These delightful bars are perfect for any gathering, especially during patriotic holidays. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their appeal and satisfy your guests.
Individual Portions
- Cut the bars into small squares for easy serving. This allows everyone to enjoy a bite-sized treat without feeling guilty.
With Ice Cream
- Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookie perfectly.
Topped with Fresh Berries
- Garnish the bars with fresh strawberries and blueberries. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the festive red, white, and blue theme.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the bars on a festive dessert platter along with other patriotic treats. This creates an eye-catching display that will impress your guests.
How to Perfect Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
To make your Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough: Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookie bars.
- Chill the dough: For thicker bars, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Check for doneness: Bake until the edges are golden; the center should look slightly underbaked for soft bars.
- Let cool completely: Allow the bars to cool before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Add festive sprinkles: Top with red, white, and blue sprinkles before serving for a fun touch!
Best Side Dishes for Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These cookie bars pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options for your next gathering.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances out the sweetness.
- Patriotic Punch: A vibrant drink made with cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda, perfect for sipping alongside dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to sweet cookie bars.
- Popcorn Bar: Offer various popcorn flavors like caramel or cheddar as a fun snack option.
- Mini Cupcakes: These can be decorated in red, white, and blue frosting to maintain the theme.
- Veggie Tray: Crisp vegetables served with ranch dip provide a crunchy contrast that’s light and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can spoil your fun.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of chewy. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense bars due to excess flour.
- Skipping the chilling time: If you chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, it helps the bars maintain their shape. Don’t skip this step for optimal results.
- Using stale baking soda: Baking soda loses its potency over time. Make sure to check its freshness before adding it to your recipe.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars so special?
These cookie bars combine rich chocolate flavors with patriotic colors, making them perfect for holidays like the Fourth of July. Their chewy texture and sweet frosting add to their appeal.
Can I customize the toppings on my cookie bars?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, more chocolate chips, or even sprinkles that match your theme. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative!
How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?
Your cookie bars should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done. They will continue to set as they cool.
Can I use different types of chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
The Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Their simplicity allows for endless customization, making them suitable for various occasions. Try experimenting with different flavors or toppings to create your unique twist on this classic treat!
Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat to celebrate patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. These vibrant bars combine rich chocolate flavors with a creamy frosting, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With their striking red, white, and blue appearance, they not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a delightful touch to your dessert table. Easy to prepare and shareable in generous portions, these cookie bars are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or any celebration where you want to impress guests with a deliciously festive dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 18 generous bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup vanilla milk chips (or white chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla using an electric mixer until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together baking soda, flour, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips and vanilla milk chips.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until golden.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Chill the dough for thicker bars if desired. Customize toppings with sprinkles or nuts for added flair.
