Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make recipe for 4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies.
This dessert is chewy, gooey and loaded with patriotic flair! They're bursting with color thanks to the addition of the red, white and blue sprinkles.
Whether you're hosting a backyard celebration or heading to a summer cookout, this is another 4th of July Food option that's sure to steal the spotlight on your holiday table.
Party guests and holiday bakers will love this recipe because it’s festive, easy to make, and perfect for sharing at summer gatherings.
With gooey chocolate chips, a soft chewy texture, and patriotic sprinkles, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will both enjoy.
Looking for more Easy Desserts for the 4th of July? Try my 4th of July Cookie Cake, these 4th of July Cookies, and even my Patriotic Homemade Brownies. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Tips for Making Perfect Bar Cookies
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Baking Instructions
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Recipe FAQ's
- How to Store, Freeze and Thawing Tips
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- Celebrate Summer with the Red, White & Delicious Recipes eBook!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Tips for Making Perfect Bar Cookies
- Line the pan with parchment paper: This makes it easy to lift the bars out and get clean slices.
- Don’t overbake: Bar cookies continue to cook slightly as they cool, so remove them when the edges are set and the center is just a little soft.
- Let them cool completely: Cooling helps the bars firm up for easier cutting and better texture.
- Use the right pan size: Stick to the pan size called for in the recipe to avoid under- or overcooked bars.
- Evenly spread the dough: Use a spatula to smooth the top so the bars bake evenly.
- Easier than cookies! No need to scoop or shape dough—just press it into the pan and bake. It’s quicker and less mess!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Change the sprinkles: Use seasonal or themed sprinkles for other holidays (pastels for Easter, orange/black for Halloween, etc.).
Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, M&Ms, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Flour: Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour if needed.
Chocolate chips: Substitute with white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars together.
Step 2: Mix in the vanilla and the eggs one at a time.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, and salt to the the butter mixture.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and evenly spread the batter in it.
Step 6: Top with additional chocolate chips or patriotic M&M's and red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Baking Instructions
Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan completely, then lift them out and cut into 16 squares.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
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Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
Want to make this recipe even better? Don’t miss my favorite tips below for boosting flavor, perfecting texture, and saving time in the kitchen!
✔️ DO let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean, even slices and help them set properly.
❌ DO NOT overbake the bars—take them out when the edges are golden and the center is just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
No, you don’t need to refrigerate the dough before baking these bar cookies. Since the dough is spread into a pan rather than scooped like traditional cookies, chilling isn’t necessary for structure.
Yes, you can use a different pan, but it will affect the thickness and baking time. For a 9x9-inch pan, reduce the bake time slightly; if using a 9x13, double the recipe for best results.
How to Store, Freeze and Thawing Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. If you want to warm them up, place them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my other recipe for Patriotic Cookie Cake. Or you might like this recipe for Red White and Blue Pinwheel Cookies.
Celebrate Summer with the Red, White & Delicious Recipes eBook!
This beautifully designed digital cookbook features 10 fun and festive dessert recipes perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any red, white, and blue celebration.
📖 Recipe Card
4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the top with mini red, white, and blue M&Ms and festive sprinkles. Gently press them into the surface so they stick.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
- Watch the bake time—remove when edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
- Cool completely before cutting for the best texture and clean cuts.
- Stick to the recommended pan size to ensure even baking.
- Spread the dough evenly with a spatula so the bars bake uniformly.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Perfect for patriotic parties or picnics!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Food Safety Tips:
- Bake goods to their recommended internal temperature, typically 165°F (74°C) or higher for safety.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw dough or eggs.
- Avoid leaving baked goods or raw dough at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave the oven unattended while baking.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove when using an oven or gas stove to maintain a safe cooking environment.
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