Funfetti cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the joy of colorful sprinkles with the rich, creamy goodness of a cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for any celebration or as a fun, sweet treat to brighten your day. With a buttery cookie base speckled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles and a luscious cream cheese topping, these bars are not just visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. This article will guide you through the process of making funfetti cookie bars from scratch, with easy-to-follow steps and a detailed recipe.
The Appeal of Funfetti Cookie Bars
Funfetti cookie bars are a twist on the classic funfetti cake, bringing all the fun in a convenient, portable form. The soft, buttery base, infused with vanilla and loaded with colorful sprinkles, creates a festive look that appeals to both kids and adults. The addition of a tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these bars, balancing the sweetness of the cookie with a hint of creaminess.
These cookie bars are incredibly versatile—you can customize the sprinkles to match any holiday or theme, making them perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just a fun baking project at home. Not only are they easy to make, but they also keep well, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Key Ingredients for Funfetti Cookie Bars
The main ingredients in funfetti cookie bars are pantry staples, making them an accessible recipe for any home cook. Here’s a look at the key components that make these cookie bars so irresistible:
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, creating a soft and chewy texture.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar for a balanced sweetness and slight caramel undertone.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, helping the bars hold together while baking.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds that classic cookie aroma.
- Flour: The base of the cookie bars, providing structure and substance.
- Sprinkles: The star of the show, adding bursts of color and fun.
- Cream Cheese: For the frosting, creating a creamy and slightly tangy topping that complements the sweet bars.
Funfetti Cookie Bars Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe for making these delicious funfetti cookie bars, including a table of ingredients in both U.S. and Metric measures for convenience.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened | 226 grams |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 200 grams |
| Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup, packed | 100 grams |
| Large eggs | 2 | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | 10 milliliters |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | 280 grams |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | 4 grams |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 2 grams |
| Rainbow sprinkles | 3/4 cup | 120 grams |
| Cream cheese (for frosting) | 8 ounces, softened | 225 grams |
| Unsalted butter (for frosting) | 1/4 cup, softened | 56 grams |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | 240 grams |
| Vanilla extract (for frosting) | 1 teaspoon | 5 milliliters |
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Add the Sprinkles: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors into the dough.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Cookie Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles over the frosting.
- Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference, and serve.
Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cookie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps everything mix together smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can result in dry bars, so take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Chill Before Cutting: For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will firm up the frosting and make it easier to get neat squares.
- Customize Your Sprinkles: Feel free to switch up the colors of the sprinkles to match any holiday or special occasion. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or even team colors for a sports-themed event.
- Make Ahead and Store: Funfetti cookie bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted bars and frost them just before serving.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Funfetti Bars: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the sprinkles for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a zesty twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet bars.
- Gluten-Free Funfetti Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
- Holiday-Themed Funfetti Bars: Customize the frosting with a drop of food coloring to match your sprinkle colors. Green frosting with red sprinkles for Christmas or orange frosting with black sprinkles for Halloween can make these bars a hit at holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions
Funfetti cookie bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they also make a great addition to any dessert spread. Here are some ideas for serving:
- As a Party Treat: Arrange the bars on a platter with a variety of other desserts for a colorful and enticing display.
- With Ice Cream: Serve a bar alongside a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- For Gifting: Pack the bars in a decorative box or tin with a festive ribbon as a sweet homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Funfetti cookie bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a nostalgic treat that brings joy to any occasion. They’re simple to make, incredibly versatile, and bursting with flavor. The combination of buttery cookie base and creamy frosting is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a celebration, or just in need of a fun dessert, these cookie bars are the perfect choice. Plus, the recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs, making it a flexible addition to your baking repertoire.
These bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration in every bite, with colorful sprinkles and a rich cream cheese frosting that will make every moment feel special.
