Twinkle Twinkle Star Dessert Bar (Print Version)

Buttery shortbread bars topped with smooth vanilla frosting and sparkling star sprinkles for festive occasions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Shortbread Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Vanilla Frosting

05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
07 - 2 tablespoons milk
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

10 - 1/4 cup star-shaped sprinkles
11 - Edible glitter or sanding sugar (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined into a soft dough.
03 - Evenly press dough into prepared pan. Smooth surface with a spatula.
04 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until edges turn light golden. Cool completely in the pan.
05 - Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add milk, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until fluffy and spreadable.
06 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled shortbread base.
07 - Sprinkle star-shaped decorations and optionally edible glitter or sanding sugar over frosting.
08 - Chill for 15 minutes to set frosting, then lift out of pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Buttery shortbread base with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Creamy and smooth vanilla frosting that balances sweetness perfectly.
  • Decorated with fun, star-shaped sprinkles that add sparkle and color.
  • Simple to prepare with common pantry ingredients.
  • Perfectly portioned into 12 bars to share or savor solo.
02 -
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper with overhang to easily lift bars out without breaking.
  • Use an electric or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugars for a fluffier shortbread and frosting.
  • Chill the bars after frosting to ensure the topping sets before cutting.
  • If sprinkles contain allergens, choose those suitable for your guests and check all packaging carefully.
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