Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars

4th of July is a great holiday to celebrate with kids. From the amazing fireworks, the patriotic crafts, and the delicious BBQ food. There is so much fun to be had!

My go-to dessert to bring to a 4th of July BBQ is our cheesecake spread paired with strawberries & blueberries. But I thought I would step it up a notch this year and make something that is a bit more involved.

These red, white, and blue cookie bars are festive and delicious. So they will look amazing at the dessert table of any party.

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No time to make this red, white, and blue dessert now? Pin it for later!

If you can’t bake this now, pin it to your desserts board on Pinterest and it’ll be here for when you’re ready.

Tips for making 4th of July cookie bars

• Mix up the colors to match any holiday or party theme!
• Serve them in the pan or sliced up on a plate!

How to make this 4th of July dessert

Below is the recipe for these delicious red, white, and blue cookie bars. Feel free to print them for easy reference!

Yield: 1 9x13 pan of bars (cut them up as big or as small as you wish!)

Red, White, and Blue Cookie Bars

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These dessert bars are perfect for a 4th of July party or Memorial Day BBQ!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups unbleached flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Holiday Sprinkles

Frosting

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer.
3. Add sugar and mix well.
4. Mix in the egg and the vanilla.
5. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Mix well until the dough forms.
7. Fold in holiday sprinkles (I used about ½ cup. You could do more or less).
8. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
9. Spread batter into pan.
10. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes (time may depend on how thick your dough is).
11. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
12. While the cookie is cooling, make the frosting (directions below).
13. Once the cookie is cooled, remove from baking dish and frost.
14. Garnish with holiday sprinkles and cut into squares or bars.

 Frosting Directions:

1. Cream together softened butter and vanilla.
2. Add in powdered sugar and salt.
3. Mix well with a fork or an electric mixer.  

More patriotic ideas you will love!

• Patriotic deviled eggs – These deviled eggs are perfect for your holiday potluck!
• 3D firecracker craft – Decorate your table with this easy craft.
• Sparkling patriotic rocks – This craft can be done at your party, while you’re waiting for the sun to go down.

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Spring Treat for Kids

My daughter loves to bake. Any chance she has to pull out the cookbook and pick a recipe she is thrilled. However, some days I just want easy. Easy prep. Easy recipe. Most importantly easy cleanup!

While you’re dipping, you can make these delicious cookie truffles!

Another great thing about these little treats is you can make 5,10,20 or more! Plus they are adorable spring colors so you can add them to your Easter treat table or make them any other day for springtime fun.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Planning ahead? Pin this easy spring recipe for later!

Don’t have all of the ingredients you need? Don’t worry! Just pin this to your desserts board and you’ll be all set.

Tips for making these easy treats with kids

• Make sure to get as much of the chocolate to drip off the cracker before setting it on the parchment paper. I like to tap the edge of the fork on the bowl a few times.
• At room temperature, it takes a while for the chocolate to set so you can dip quite a few before you start decorating.
• You can decorate these for any theme you want! Just change up the sprinkles!

Don’t miss our most popular treat for kids!

How to make these peanut butter sandwich cracker treats

Below is our written tutorial for making easy spring treats with sandwich crackers.

Yield: As many as you want!

White Chocolate Spring Treats

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These sweet treats are super easy and your kids will love making them!

Ingredients

Ingredients

• White Melting Chocolates
• Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
• Sprinkles

Supplies

• Parchment Paper.
• Fork and Butter Knife.

Instructions

1. Melt your chocolates on a double boiler, or in short increments in the microwave.
2. Drop a few cracker sandwiches into the melted chocolate.
3. Using your fork, flip each cracker and press them down into the chocolate.
4. When they are completely covered lift them out with your fork. Make sure to let as much extra chocolate drip off as possible.
5. Then, using your butter knife, slide the cracker onto a piece of parchment paper.
6. Use sprinkles, dots, or colored white chocolate drizzles to decorate your treats!
7. Place them in the fridge to speed up the setting time of the chocolate.

Notes

Refrigerate these spring treats in an air tight container.

More Easy Recipes might like!

• Cookie Truffles – Since these truffles include my favorite kind of cookie, you know they are a must for any dessert table.
• Pretzel treats with Rolos – This is another super easy and delicious spring treat.
• 2 Ingredient Cheesecake Dip – Every time I bring this easy recipe to a party, I get loads of compliments. And it only takes 2 ingredients!!
• Cheesecake Bites – Since strawberries are in season, it’s the perfect time to make these delicious, and super easy, cheesecake bites.

Please save this quick recipe to your favorite Pinterest board!

Did you know that every time you share from our site, it helps us grow? We sincerely appreciate every share. Please share it on Facebook or save it to your favorite desserts board on Pinterest.

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Easter Pretzel Treats

My kiddos love to create sweet treats for their friends and families. But busting out all the ingredients isn’t always something we have time to do.

These Easter pretzel treats are great for kids to assemble. Practice counting and fine motor skills while learning basic cooking skills. (don’t you love that you can squeeze learning into such a fun activity!)

They can whip up a bunch to give to their friends at Easter parties.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

These will go perfectly with our Easter Bunny Treats!

Ingredients for spring pretzels

One of the best parts of this easy recipe is that it only takes 3 ingredients!!

• Pretzels
• Rolos (save time by buying them unwrapped!)
• Easter sprinkles

How to make these Easter treats

Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees.

Then begin unwrapping 24 Rolos.

Place 24 pretzels onto a baking sheet and top with a Rolo.

Pop them in the oven to bake for 3 minutes.

As soon as they come out of the oven, push another pretzel into the melted candy. **Please monitor your children during this step. The candy will be hot**

Check out 30 more Easter treats here!

Finally, decorate your Easter pretzel treats with some festive spring sprinkles.

Aren’t these pretzel desserts so cute?

Plus, they are so simple you can make several batches. You can place them in a bowl at an Easter party.

Or let your kids give them to their classmates.

Yield: 24 Pretzel Bites

Easter Pretzel Treats

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Easter pretzel treats with rolos. An easy Easter treat for kids to make and share with their friends this spring.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 18 minutes

Ingredients

• 48 pretzels
• 24 Rolos
• Sprinkles of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Place pretzels on a baking sheet with a Rolo on each.
3. Bake for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and immediately push another pretzel onto each Rolo, creating a pretzel sandwich.
5. Decorate with sprinkles.

If you loved this Easter treat, please pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!

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Oatmeal Cream Pies

We love oatmeal cookies. From our healthy toddler snacks to chocolate thumbprint cookies.

I think the oatmeal gives a cookie recipe an amazing texture. And the cream on these oatmeal cream pies makes them extra tasty.

This recipe is easy to whip up and the kids will love helping to add the cream or sprinkle the topping.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

How to make Oatmeal Cookies

Start by preheating the oven to 350° and gathering your ingredients.

In a bowl, cream the butter, sugars, molasses, vanilla, and eggs.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir to combine.

Then mix in the oats.

Drop tablespoon sized scoops onto the cookie sheet or whoopie pie pan.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until just starting to brown around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them; they will look moist.

Mix together the topping ingredients.

Spread the topping onto the middle of the oatmeal cookies.

Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon sugar.

These are so yummy and the kids will love being able to help!

Looking for a healthier oatmeal cookie? Check out this quick and easy recipe.

Oatmeal Cream Pies

Print

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 32 minutes

Ingredients

• Cookie:
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups quick oats
• Cream Filling:
• 2 tsp very hot water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream
• ½ cup shortening
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Topping:
• Cinnamon Sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. 
2. In a bowl, cream the butter, sugars, molasses, vanilla, and eggs.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir to combine; mix in the oats.
5. Drop tablespoon sized scoops onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until just starting to brown around the edges. Be careful not to over bake them; they will look moist. 

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Cheesecake Dip

The time of impromptu BBQs and get-togethers is upon us. On any random day, we run into friends at the pool or park and last-minute dinner plans are made.

I always like to put out some sort of treat for the end of the meal, but I don’t always want to run out to the store last minute.

Now I keep this quick cheesecake spread in my back pocket for any time we have unexpected guests arrive. It has to be the easiest dessert and it’s great any time of year.

Nothing says summer like fresh plump strawberries. Or, tweak it at Christmas gingerbread cheesecake dip. There are lots of different ways to turn this sweet dip into a crowd-pleaser.

I have to say one of my favorite parts of summer is when we randomly throw together a quick potluck meal. Someone has the meat that they are throwing on the grill, someone else says they have watermelon or some corn on the cob to cook up. You gather around and just enjoy the day with friends. It doesn’t get much better than that!

This simple dip is perfect on a hot day! It is fast, only takes 2 ingredients, and doesn’t involve the oven.

For a fancier twist, you can use this recipe to create our quick cheesecake bites!

This cheesecake recipe doesn’t involve sour cream, which makes it easier for our house. And since it’s a no-bake cheesecake dessert, it can be made in minutes.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

No time to make this dessert dip? Pin it for later!

If you’re currently in the middle of planning a party? Save this pin to your favorite Pinterest board! That way you’ll be able to grab the recipe when you’re ready!

Tips For Making This Easy Cheesecake Fruit Dip:

If you have time, bring the cream cheese to room temperature first. This will help get it whipped up quickly.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

Make it a little different by adding a bit of cherry pie filling, pumpkin spice, or maybe some almond extract. You could even turn it into a chocolate fruit dip!

Both kids and adults love this simple dessert dip. So grab cute graham crackers and simple fruits for your classroom snack.

Color coordinate your fruit to match your holiday. Like red strawberries and blueberries for the 4th of July.

This is a great recipe for kids to try and make on their own. With just 2 ingredients and super simple instructions, they may not need your help at all!

What to dip into your cheesecake spread

• Fresh Strawberries
• Fresh Blueberries
• Graham Crackers
• Mango
• Fresh Fruit
• Vanilla Wafers

Where to serve this easy dessert dip

• After school snack
• Classroom party
• Wedding or Baby Shower
• Holiday gatherings
• Watch party
• BBQ Dinner
• Potluck
• Family Movie Night

Yield: 1 Cup

Cheesecake Dip

Print

This creamy fruit dip is perfect for parties or a quick dessert. With only 2 ingredients, it can be whipped up at a moment's notice!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese
• 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Instructions

1. Using a hand mixer, blend on low until the sugar is incorporated.
2. Scrape down the sides.
3. Speed it up and mix until nice and creamy.
4. Transfer it to a cute serving bowl and surround it with your favorite dippers.

More snacks you will love!

If you loved these creamy cheesecake treats, you’ll love these other great dessert ideas.

• Fruit Cones – Use up those ice cream cones with this delicious fruity snack.
• Pick your pink – Create a DIY lemonade station for your next summer party.

If you loved this simple cheesecake dessert, share it by pinning or sharing it on Facebook.

This site wouldn’t be here without shares from people like you, and we are so thankful that you took the time to visit Twitchetts.

Know a friend who is looking for a cheesecake dip recipe? Please share it on Facebook or save it to your favorite board on Pinterest.

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Green Rice Crispy Treats

I LOVE rice crispy treats.  There really isn’t an easier dessert to whip up.  I have a slight problem with eating a whole pan of them in a day.  It really is a problem…

Can we start with a discussion about whether these are green rice Krispie treats or green rice Crispy treats?  Because I see that people are spelling these easy St Patrick’s Day recipes both ways.

All I know is that when you pair natural food coloring with this easy recipe you have a delicious snack that the whole family will enjoy!

If you don’t know how to make rice crispy treats, you can use this recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff.  I’ve started making them my go-to for school treat days and work food days.  There are never any leftovers.  Plus, they are gluten-free and can be made with ingredients that I trust.  For St Patrick’s Day, I wanted to make them fun, so I added a little twist.  I made GREEN rice crispy treats!

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Natural Green Food Coloring

We’re pretty into clean eating in our house.  So I needed to find a solution to your standard green food dye.  Our kids love eating fun colored treats.  And even though they are great veggie eaters.  (I’m knocking on wood as I’m typing this) sometimes you just want something sweet.

So I went searching for some natural green food dyes

I was able to get a fantastic green color, without all the chemicals.  Instead of Yellow #5 and Blue #1, which is what you find in your standard bottle of food coloring.  Maggie’s is made with gardenia extract (a flower) and curcumin (a spice).  You get a beautiful green color.  Not a bright green, like you get from the standard food coloring.  More of subtle sage green.  Which I love more anyway.

How to create green rice Krispie treats

To get the green color, add the food coloring to your marshmallows and butter while they’re melting.  I used about 2 Tablespoons of the food coloring.  This is more than you would use with the standard food dye, but it’s not concentrated, so it takes a bit more.

Another little trick I use…marshmallows without corn syrup.  Yep, I’m that mom that makes organic rice crispy treats…I’m OK with that.

I took a batch of these to the office and they raved that they were the best tasting rice crispy treats.  I’m pretty sure that it had everything to do with the marshmallows.  They have such a great rich flavor!

It’s nice to have easy St Patrick’s day recipes that don’t make you cringe!

Don’t forget to pin this St Patrick’s Day Recipe to your favorite Pinterest board!

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One of my go-to lunchbox dishes for J are these little cream cheese pretzel sandwiches. Well, one morning while I was slapping together a few of these bad boys I had an aha moment… These would be great covered in chocolate!!! I happened to have some pecans laying around so I decided to add them in there too. These flavors are a match made in heaven!

What you will need for your Stuffed Chocolate Covered Pretzels:

• Pretzel Snaps… ya that is what they are called. The little window shaped ones.
• Cream Cheese
• Pecans (optional)
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Making your Stuffed Chocolate Covered Pretzels:

Start by finely chopping your pecans and folding them into your cream cheese. Smear cream cheese mixture on one pretzel and top with another creating a pretzel sandwich. This is how I pack them in J’s lunch.

Then dip in melted chocolate chips. A fork works best for this.

Put on a tray in the fridge so the chocolate sets.

If you have any leftover stuffed chocolate covered pretzels store them in the fridge! You can mix this up any way you like! Try stuffing them with peanut butter… or make them with white chocolate and sprinkles for any holiday or an extra special treat.

This is a great snack to let the little ones help with too. Any time the kiddos can help in the kitchen is a bonus!

Yes, I know I didn’t give any measurements… You can make 1-100 of these, it is definitely a food muse!

~Enjoy~

Ok…I’m trying these with the dark chocolate in my pantry!  Yum!!

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