Twinkle Twinkle Star Bars

Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bars are a delightful treat that combine a buttery shortbread base with a silky vanilla frosting, topped with charming star-shaped sprinkles that add a festive sparkle. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for celebrations, parties, or whenever you want a sweet bite that brings a little magic to the table.

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This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert bar that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite comforting and festive, capturing the spirit of joyful gatherings.

Ingredients

• Shortbread Base
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• Vanilla Frosting
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
• Decoration
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) star-shaped sprinkles
  • Edible glitter or sanding sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Cream butter and sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar for the shortbread base until light and fluffy.

3. Add dry ingredients

Add flour and salt; mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.

4. Press into pan

Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan.

6. Make frosting

For the frosting, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and spreadable.

7. Spread frosting

Spread frosting evenly over cooled shortbread base.

8. Decorate

Decorate with star-shaped sprinkles and a touch of edible glitter or sanding sugar if desired.

9. Chill and cut

Chill for 15 minutes to set frosting, then lift out of the pan and cut into bars.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a bright lemony twist, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to your shortbread base dough before baking. This adds a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness wonderfully. Alternatively, stirring in white chocolate chips into the dough enhances richness and texture, creating delightful pockets of melted chocolate within the bars.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize these bars to fit a variety of occasions. Swap star-shaped sprinkles for themed decorations to match holidays or parties. Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes to make this recipe vegan-friendly, though the texture may vary slightly. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread base for a subtle warm spice.

Serviervorschläge

Serve Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bars chilled or at room temperature alongside a chilled glass of sparkling Moscato for adults or a cold glass of milk for the kids. These bars also make a delightful addition to dessert trays, picnic baskets, and lunchboxes, bringing smiles with their whimsical sparkle.

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With these tips and your favorite decorations, Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bars are sure to become a beloved treat that shines at every celebration. Enjoy the process of baking—and the joyful sparkle they bring to your table.

Recipe Guide

→ What makes the shortbread base tender?

The combination of softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar creamed together creates a light, tender texture in the shortbread base.

→ Can I add a flavor twist to the bars?

Yes, adding finely grated lemon zest to the dough brightens the flavor. White chocolate chips can also be folded in for extra richness.

→ How should I bake the shortbread base for best results?

Bake the dough in a parchment-lined pan at 350°F until edges turn lightly golden, about 22–25 minutes, for a crisp yet tender texture.

→ What is the best way to achieve smooth vanilla frosting?

Beat softened butter and sifted powdered sugar until creamy, then add milk and vanilla extract slowly, beating until fluffy and spreadable.

→ How can I decorate the bars for a festive look?

Sprinkle star-shaped sugar decorations and optional edible glitter or sanding sugar on the frosting while still soft, then chill to set.

→ Are these bars suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, these bars contain no meat or gelatin, making them appropriate for vegetarians.