From the creative bakers at Pillsbury comes this festive and patriotic dessert, perfect as family and friends come together to celebrate our nation’s birthday. These easy to make cookie bars are topped off with a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting, creating a colorful addition to your picnic or BBQ.

Ingredients

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated sugar cookies
1/4 teaspoon each red and blue gel food colors
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened (half of an 8-oz package)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon red, white and blue jimmies or candy sprinkles

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9-inch square pan with foil, leaving extra hanging over edges; spray with cooking spray.
Divide dough into 3 sections; place 2 sections of dough into 2 small bowls. Tint 1 bowl red and 1 bowl blue by stirring in each food color, until color is mostly incorporated.
Drop tablespoons of each of the 3 colors of dough in pan in random pattern. Press dough together to cover bottom of pan. Bake 23 to 27 minutes or until dough is light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until smooth. If necessary, add more powdered sugar until frosting is spreadable.
Spread on top of cooled bars; top with sprinkles. Store covered in refrigerator. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.