Sunday, January 11, 2015

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars

While it only feels like two days ago, two years ago I posted about the birth of our twins, Henry and Tucker.  Those tiny, wrinkly, cuddly little babies that completed our family.  I'm going to try and keep it together and not turn this into a sob-fest of a post, but OMG HOW in the world are my babies two years old?!

I remember waxing poetic last year on their birthday.  I talked about how insuperable they were, how sweetly they played together, how they did everything at the same time, together.  Things are much different now.  They've grown into their own distinct little people. And while they don't seem to connect on the same level they did as infants, they are still each other's best friend.


Tucker has a big personality; he wears his heart on his sleeve already, and lives life with so much passion.  His highs are high and his lows are low. His cheeks are the most kissable cheeks I've ever kissed, and he will forever be my little cuddle-bug.  He loves being held and cuddled, and Joey and I like to call him "the lego."  Because when you pick him up and hold him on your hip, he just fits perfectly.  He snaps right into position like a little lego.


And Henry.  Sweet sweet Henry.  The baby of my babies.  He has such an innocence about him, and the most angelic little face.  He seems to experience the world on a different wavelength than most of us.  He has the softest, sweetest little voice, and I dare you to look into his big brown eyes without melting.  But don't let them fool you:  he's all boy, and climbs, jumps, runs, and roughhouses more than you'd believe.  He's always on the go, and he doesn't stay in one place for long.  But when he slows down, sits down, and lays his head on my shoulder…. it's the best feeling in the world.

My favorite time of day is getting the boys up from their nap.  They are hanging out in their cribs, and when I open their door, they stand up, grab the crib rail, and start jumping and laughing.  These boys turned our lives upside down, but somehow they also turned them right side up.  I can't imagine the world without Henry and Tucker, and I feel so lucky that I get to be their mom.

We celebrated Henry and Tucker's second birthday this weekend, and I'll be sharing all the details of their party very soon.  But for now, I want to share these funfetti sugar cookie bars.  They have become a bit of a tradition in our family.  I love making them to send to school for birthday treats for all the kids.  Cupcakes can be messy, but these are smaller and more portable, yet still just as cute.  And come on - find me a kid who doesn't love sprinkles?!

These have not only become birthday treats for our family, but I make them anytime I need a last-minute dessert to take somewhere.  They are equally adaptable as far as colors go, so they can be festive for any holiday or occasion!  I've made them for Valentine's Day, Christmas, soccer parties using team colors, and Halloween; and I foresee them being made using school colors for football games, spirit days, and the like as the kids get older.

These bars are so easy, so fun, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.  Sprinkles make everything fun!

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars
adapted from  Smells Like Home

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbs sprinkles
Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside. 

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla.

Turn off the mixer and pour the dry ingredients into the bowl along with the sprinkles. On low speed, combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until they are just incorporated.

Lightly press the dough into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean. The bars will still look pale with barely a hint of browning around the edges. 

Transfer the pan to a wire rack to allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Whipped Vanilla Frosting
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp heavy
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 
  • Pinch of salt
  • Food coloring (gel, liquid, or paste), if you want colored frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter for 6 to 8 minutes on medium speed; it will be very pale and light. Add in the sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt and mix on low for 1 minute and then on medium speed for 6 minutes; the frosting will be very light and fluffy. If using food coloring, blend it in until it is fully incorporated.

Use an offset spatula to frost the fully-cooled bars in the pan.  Use a sharp knife to slice them into your desired size and shape, garnish with more sprinkles, and serve.


12 comments:

Josie said...

Your words about your boys are beautiful. Maybe it's just that I'm 8 months pregnant, but I started tearing up a bit reading them! :) These funfetti sugar cookie bars look like the perfect easy treat for any occasion! Happy Birthday Henry and Tucker!

Josie said...

I love this post. :) Leaving aside the cookie bars, which are obviously awesome, I just love your comments about Tucker being "the lego" and the twins turning your world upside down and "right side up." You guys are the best.

Josie said...

wow I can't believe its been two years already! I remember seeing the pictures of your pregnant belly, seem like it was yesterday. I love sugar cookie bars, I made a eggnog version this winter that was wonderful. Love your colorful sprinkles!

Josie said...

I can't believe they are 2!!!

This recipe is just want I needed to find today. I have to go to Bailey's classroom on Thursday to celebrate his half birthday since his real birthday is in June when school is out. The kids will love these. Thanks for sharing!

Josie said...

It is crazy that they are two already!! Oh how time flies. But they are more adorable than ever!!


Funfetti makes life better. Love these bars!

Josie said...

Those boys are too cute for words! They way you describe them just fills my heart up. So happy to hear these cookie bars are as big of a hit in your house as they are in ours. Love you!

Josie said...

aw, thanks sweetie! Love you to pieces too! xoxo

Josie said...

aw, thanks Kristine! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly!!

Josie said...

thanks friend! :) I think H&T would get along just swimmingly with Ian! What a trio they'd make!

Josie said...

mm I love the eggnog variation -- will have to try that next
Christmas!

Josie said...

yay! I hope they were a hit! Happy unbirthday to Bailey :)

Josie said...

That needs to be on a bumper sticker :)

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