Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

If you love soft, chewy sugar cookies but don’t want to spend time rolling and cutting individual shapes, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. These bars have all the buttery, sweet goodness of classic sugar cookies but in an easy-to-make, no-fuss form. Topped with a creamy, luscious frosting and colorful sprinkles, they’re an irresistible treat for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require chilling and rolling, this recipe keeps things simple by pressing the dough into a baking pan and slicing it into bars after baking. The result? Thick, soft, and slightly chewy sugar cookie bars that melt in your mouth with every bite. The frosting is a smooth, whipped buttercream that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you keep it classic with vanilla or add a pop of color with fun food dyes and sprinkles, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting required, just press the dough into the pan and bake.
• Soft and Chewy – A thick, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s even better than traditional cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
• Customizable – Use different frosting colors, sprinkles, or even mix-ins to make them unique.
• Freezer-Friendly – Make them ahead and store them for later.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 26g

Ingredients for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Cookie Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Press the Dough into the Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth out the top.

5. Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft but set. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If using food coloring, mix it in at this stage.

7. Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle with your favorite decorations.

8. Slice and Serve

Cut into 16 bars and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

1. Butter

Butter is the key ingredient that gives these sugar cookie bars their rich, buttery flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe. Be sure to soften the butter before mixing to ensure a smooth and fluffy dough. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

2. Vanilla and Almond Extract

Vanilla extract provides a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars. The addition of almond extract is optional but highly recommended, as it adds a subtle nutty sweetness often found in bakery-style sugar cookies. If you prefer a classic vanilla-only flavor, you can omit the almond extract.

3. Powdered Sugar in the Frosting

Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is essential for a light and fluffy frosting. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Beating the butter and powdered sugar together for a few minutes helps incorporate air, making the frosting soft and spreadable.

Technique Tips for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough bars instead of soft, tender ones. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid over-developing the gluten in the flour. The dough should be thick but soft enough to spread easily in the pan.

2. Watch the Baking Time

Since these bars continue to cook slightly as they cool, it’s best to remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy.

3. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Frosting

Frosting warm cookie bars will cause the butter in the frosting to melt, leading to a runny, uneven layer. Wait until the bars are completely cool before spreading on the frosting to ensure a smooth and creamy finish.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Layered Cookie Bars

For an extra indulgent treat, make a double layer of frosting by spreading a thin layer of frosting between two cookie layers, then topping with another layer of frosting. Cut into squares for a fun, layered look.

2. Holiday-Themed Bars

Customize these bars for different occasions by using seasonal sprinkles and food coloring in the frosting. For example, use red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or orange and black for Halloween.

3. Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookie Bars

For a twist, dip half of each cookie bar in melted white or dark chocolate and allow them to set on a parchment-lined tray. This creates a visually stunning treat with an extra layer of decadence.

Freezing and Storing Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Storing at Room Temperature

Store frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from smudging.

2. Refrigerating for Longer Freshness

If you need to store them longer, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

3. Freezing for Later

To freeze, wrap individual cookie bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If freezing unfrosted bars, add the frosting after thawing for the best texture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Reduce Sugar Without Losing Sweetness

Cut the sugar in the cookie dough by ¼ cup and increase the vanilla extract slightly to maintain a sweet, aromatic flavor. You can also replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.

2. Use Whole Wheat Flour

For a slightly healthier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a slight nutty taste and extra fiber while still keeping the bars soft and chewy.

3. Lighter Frosting Option

Instead of a butter-based frosting, try a Greek yogurt frosting by mixing ½ cup Greek yogurt with 1 cup powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. This creates a tangy, creamy frosting with less fat.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Birthday Party Treats

These bars are perfect for birthday parties, especially when decorated with colorful sprinkles and fun frosting colors. Serve them on a dessert platter with cupcakes and brownies for a festive spread.

2. Bake Sale Favorite

Cut the bars into smaller squares and individually wrap them in clear plastic wrap with a ribbon for an attractive bake sale item. The bright frosting and sprinkles make them stand out on any bake sale table.

3. Holiday Cookie Exchange

Instead of baking traditional cookies, bring these bars to a holiday cookie exchange. Customize the frosting and sprinkles to match the holiday theme, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a baby shower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?

Yes! Store-bought frosting works well if you’re short on time. However, homemade frosting has a fresher taste and smoother texture.

2. What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you don’t like almond extract, simply leave it out or replace it with extra vanilla extract for a more classic sugar cookie flavor.

3. How do I make the bars extra soft?

To keep them extra soft, don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients can also help create a softer texture.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for the best results.

5. Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk in both the cookie dough and frosting to make them completely dairy-free.

6. How do I cut perfect squares?

For clean edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp paper towel between cuts. Chilling the bars for 10 minutes before slicing also helps.

7. Can I make these bars thinner?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan instead of a 9×9-inch pan for thinner bars. Adjust the baking time to 15-17 minutes.

8. What type of food coloring works best for frosting?

Gel food coloring is the best option, as it provides vibrant colors without making the frosting too thin.

9. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the bars up to 2 days in advance, then frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

10. Can I add sprinkles to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Stir in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough for fun, confetti-style cookie bars.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, delicious, and festive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, chewy base and creamy, sweet frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and even easier to enjoy. Try them today and bring a little sweetness to your next celebration! Happy baking!

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