Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars in 29 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. Cream the softened butter (113g) and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully emulsified.
4. Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are barely golden and the center is set.
7. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
8. Beat together frosting butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth.
9. Divide frosting into three bowls: leave one white, tint one red, and one blue using gel food coloring.
10. Spread white frosting as a base layer across the cooled bars.
11. Pipe or spoon red and blue frosting to create stripes or stars.
12. Immediately top with patriotic star sprinkles before the frosting sets.