Funfetti Cookie Bars with Grad Toppers

Celebrate your graduate’s big achievement with these vibrant and chewy Funfetti Cookie Bars. Packed with colorful sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and a touch of cake batter flavor, these bars are a festive, sweet treat made even more special with playful graduation-themed toppers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are incredibly easy to make and bring joy with every bite. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the nostalgic funfetti flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser. They’re ideal for graduation parties, requiring minimal prep and baking time while delivering a professional, party-ready presentation. Plus, decorating them with themed toppers turns a simple dessert into a personalized celebration.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Cake flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Large egg yolks
• Cake batter extract
• Golden Oreos
• White chocolate chips
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Vanilla frosting (optional)
• Graduation-themed toppers (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a stand mixer, cream cold butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, egg yolks, and cake batter extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Fold in chopped Golden Oreos, white chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Optionally, spread vanilla frosting over the top and decorate with graduation toppers.
11. Cut into bars and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Substitute gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.
• Use almond extract or lemon zest for a flavor twist.
• Try milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
• Use colored frosting or themed candy pieces to match school colors.

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week if frosted.
• Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, chewy texture.

FAQs

What does cake batter extract taste like?

It has a sweet, rich flavor that mimics vanilla cake batter, adding a nostalgic bakery-style note to the bars.

Can I skip the Golden Oreos?

Yes, but they add texture and flavor. You can replace them with another type of cookie or omit entirely.

Will regular vanilla extract work instead of cake batter extract?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract, though the cake batter flavor will be milder.

Can I use regular sprinkles?

Use jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) to avoid color bleeding. Nonpareils are not recommended in the batter.

Are the bars still good without frosting?

Absolutely. The bars are flavorful on their own, but frosting adds sweetness and helps hold the toppers.

How far in advance can I make these?

Up to 2 days ahead if storing at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Cool completely, then use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat squares.

Can I make these without a mixer?

Yes, but be sure to cream the butter and sugar well by hand or with a hand mixer.

What kind of graduation toppers should I use?

You can use store-bought toppers or make your own with candy pieces shaped like graduation caps.

Are these suitable for mailing?

Yes, if unfrosted. Wrap tightly in plastic and pack securely in a box with padding.

Conclusion

Funfetti Cookie Bars with Graduation Toppers are a cheerful and delicious way to honor any graduate. With a soft, chewy texture and colorful appeal, these bars are sure to be the star of the dessert table. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re the perfect sweet finish to a momentous occasion.

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