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4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

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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.

4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies stacked showing the cookies filled with chocolate chips on the inside.

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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

  • 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!
Chocolate chip cookie bars with patriotic sprinkles stacked on a white plate.

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Main Ingredients Needed

Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

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.

Melted butter, brown and white sugar in a clear mixing bowl.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars together.

Eggs and vanilla added to the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 2: Mix in the vanilla and the eggs one at a time.

Flour, cinnamon, and salt added to the butter mixture.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, and salt to the the butter mixture.

chocolate chips added to cookie batter in bowl.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips.

Cookie batter spread evenly in a square baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and evenly spread the batter in it.

Patriotic sprinkles added on top of the chocolate chip cookie batter.

Step 6: Top with additional chocolate chips or patriotic M&M's and red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Baking Instructions

Baked cookie bars in square baking pan.

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.

Chocolate chip cookies cut into bars.

Step 8: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan completely, then lift them out and cut into 16 squares.

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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!

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

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.

Can I use a different size pan?

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.

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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.

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📖 Recipe Card

Chocolate chip cookie bars with red white and blue sprinkles on top stacked on a white plate.
Lois

4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

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Impress your guests with this easy-to-make homemade recipe for 4th of July Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies with red, white and blue sprinkles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts, Holidays
Cuisine: American
Calories: 206
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Video

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • red, white, and blue sprinkles
  • mini red, white, and blue M&M's optional
Cooking for More (or Less?)Scale this recipe up or down. Adjust the number of servings above to automatically update ingredient amounts.

Equipment

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  7. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle the top with mini red, white, and blue M&Ms and festive sprinkles. Gently press them into the surface so they stick.
  9. 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.
  10. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

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!

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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.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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