Funfetti Cookie Bars

Soft and chewy Lighter Funfetti Cookie Bars that taste like birthday cake batter! Made healthier with whole wheat flour, less butter and zero refined sugar for the reliable lightened-up party dessert!

It is birthday week around here! 🥳 The daughter and A cook have birthdays just two days apart so A cook wanted to share something fun to celebrate. These Lighter Funfetti Cookie Bars are made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pastry flour, zero refined sugar and less butter than traditional cookie bars or using funfetti cake mix. The best part? These chewy funfetti cookie bars c

When measuring flour, A cook always like to use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly with the measuring cup. Use a spoon to lightly fluff and scoop the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. This prevents the flour from being packed down causing the bars to be dense, dry or crumbly.

What goes in

• 1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3 tablespoons milk of choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

How it comes together

1. Prep your pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for straightforward removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. Use a wide bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, cane sugar and salt until combined.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg and egg yolk. Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract and almond extract, whisking until smooth.
4. Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want. Fold in the white chocolate chips and sprinkles, being careful not to over-mix.
5. Spread into the pan. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly using a spatula.Since the batter is thick, gently press it into the corner of the pan. Top with extra sprinkles, if desired.
6. Bake the bars. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps them to set properly and gives you clean cuts.