Save Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bars are a delightful treat that brings the magic of a starry night to your dessert table. These buttery shortbread bars topped with smooth vanilla frosting and sparkling star-shaped sprinkles burst with festive cheer, making them an ideal choice for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet pick-me-up. Easy to make and irresistibly charming, they're sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Save These dessert bars not only look enchanting but also offer a wonderful balance of rich butteriness and sweet vanilla creaminess. The star-shaped sprinkles add a playful crunch, making every bite a joyful experience.
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. Make shortbread base
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3. Add dry ingredients
- Add flour and salt; mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- 4. Press dough
- 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. Prepare frosting
- Beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- 7. Frost shortbread
- 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 serve
- Chill for 15 minutes to set frosting, then lift out of the pan and cut into bars.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a subtle twist, add 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest to the shortbread base dough for a bright citrus note. If you like extra richness, white chocolate chips can be gently folded into the dough before pressing it into the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
These bars can be customized easily to suit your taste or occasion. Swap vanilla frosting for a light cream cheese frosting for a tangier finish or experiment with different colored sprinkles for themed celebrations.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these twinkling bars alongside a glass of sparkling Moscato for adults or with classic cold milk for kids. They also make a lovely gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.
Save These Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bars are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat, bringing a touch of magic and sweetness to any occasion. Their simple ingredients and easy steps make them accessible to every baker, inviting you to create memorable moments around each starry bite.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What is the best way to achieve a soft shortbread base?
Use softened unsalted butter and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the base tender and crumbly.
- → How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?
Beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy, then add milk gradually to maintain a spreadable but firm texture.
- → Can I substitute the star-shaped sprinkles?
Yes, you can use any decorative sprinkles or edible glitter to suit your preference or the occasion.
- → Is chilling necessary before cutting the bars?
Chilling helps the frosting set firmly, making the bars easier to cut without smudging.
- → How can I add a citrus twist to the shortbread?
Incorporate finely grated lemon zest into the dough before baking to add a refreshing citrus note.