Firecracker Sugar Cookie Bars

By srumbel

Firecracker Sugar Cookie Bars with cream cheese frosting are the perfect 4th of July treat. Candy Pop Rocks are sprinkled on top for an added surprise!
from favfamilyrecipes.com

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 2/3 c. shortening (or butter, softened)
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 c. flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 8 oz. cream cheese-softened
• 1/4 c. butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs powdered sugar
• Toppings:
• 4 packets Pop Rocks (a combination of red and blue. See notes above)
• edible star sprinkles (optional)

Details

Preparation time 10mins
Cooking time 28mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Beat shortening (or butter) and sugar together.
Add eggs, milk and vanilla.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Slowing add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Mix together until dough can hold together into a ball.
Spray a 9x13 glass baking dish.
Drop clumps of dough evenly around pan.
Press dough down evenly with hands or spatula.
Bake 15-18 minutes or until dough BARELY starts getting golden around the edges. Do not over bake!
Allow to cool to room temperature before frosting (best if covered and chilled in refrigerator)


For frosting and topping:
Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar to desired consistency.
Spread over cooled cookie bars.
Cut cookies into squares and top with Pop Rocks and sprinkles.
Serve chilled

Serves 24