Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Name: Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups sifted powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

Published: July 16, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is simple, requiring minimal prep time and straightforward steps.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and creamy frosting creates a treat that is both sweet and satisfying.
Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any festive gathering where you want to impress guests.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite sprinkles or fruits to enhance the visual appeal!
Feeds a Crowd: With 18 generous bars, you’ll have plenty to share with your friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking pan (9×13 inch)
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without creating messes.
Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking for perfect cookie bars every time.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together until fluffy.

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cookie bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Baking soda, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and vanilla milk chips using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Pour your cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Softened butter with powdered sugar until crumbly.
2. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until creamy and smooth.

Spread the frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula or knife. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These delicious Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

These delightful Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a festive way to celebrate! Perfect for gatherings, you can serve them in various fun ways to impress your friends.

Individual Portions

Serve each bar cut into squares for easy handling. This makes them perfect for parties or picnics where everyone can grab a piece.

With Ice Cream

Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to add a creamy contrast. The cold ice cream complements the warm bars beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter with fresh berries. This adds color and enhances the presentation, making it eye-catching for guests.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual cookie bars in clear cellophane tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. These make charming party favors that guests can take home.

To ensure your Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for the right amount; this prevents dense bars.
Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined after adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Chill the dough: For thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape during baking.
Check for doneness: Bake until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to cook as they cool.

When serving these sweet treats, pairing them with some delicious side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast to your dessert.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet bites echo the chocolate theme while adding elegance to your dessert table.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream station with toppings so guests can create their own sundaes alongside the cookie bars.
Mini Cheesecakes: Small cheesecakes offer a rich texture that pairs well with the softness of the cookie bars.
Lemonade or Berry Punch: Refreshing drinks like lemonade or berry punch complement the flavors and are great for summer gatherings.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses alongside crackers for a savory option that contrasts well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

Skipping the butter softening: Always soften the butter beforehand. Cold butter can lead to dense bars instead of a light, chewy texture.
Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create tough bars instead of soft and chewy delights.
Incorrect measuring of flour: Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup with flour and level it off. Packing flour can make your bars dry and crumbly.
Not chilling the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step improves flavor and texture.
Forgetting to preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven ensures even baking and nice edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container. This helps keep your cookie bars fresh.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for warm, gooey bars.
Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Adding an extra egg yolk can enhance chewiness without affecting structure.

Can I substitute chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use any type of chips you like, such as peanut butter or butterscotch chips.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

Regular-sized chocolate chips work just fine; simply chop them into smaller pieces if desired.

Add red and blue sprinkles on top before baking or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

These Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious! They are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make them even more special!

0 Shares

Red White and Blue Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe