Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of classic sugar cookies but don't want to deal with the hassle of rolling, cutting, and individually baking each cookie, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious layer of buttercream frosting that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just looking for a fun treat to share with family and friends, these cookie bars are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite frosting colors and sprinkles.

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions and pro tips to ensure your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time!

this Recipe

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a thick, chewy version of traditional sugar cookies, baked in a single pan and cut into squares or rectangles. They have the same soft texture and buttery flavor as sugar cookies but are much easier to make. After baking, the cookie bars are frosted with a sweet and creamy buttercream, often tinted with food coloring and topped with sprinkles for a fun, festive look. These bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or just indulging your sweet tooth at home.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here's what you'll need to make these delicious cookie bars:

For the Cookie Bar Base:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice flavor)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Gel food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very versatile! Here are some substitutions and variations to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the baking powder and sprinkles are gluten-free as well.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use a plant-based milk such as almond milk for the frosting.
• Different Extracts: While vanilla extract is classic, you can experiment with other extracts for a twist, like coconut, lemon, or even peppermint for a seasonal flavor.
• Custom Frosting Colors: Use different gel food coloring to customize the frosting for any occasion. Pink for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, or red and green for Christmas!
• Add-In Variations: Mix in white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or mini M&Ms to the cookie dough for a colorful and fun variation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these easy yet decadent Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. If you don't have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Bar Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can make the bars too dense.

Step 3: Press the Dough Into the Pan
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure to reach the edges.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars should remain soft and chewy.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.

How to Make the Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cream the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent it from puffing up. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk and the vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want to tint the frosting, add a few drops of gel food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t thin out the frosting like liquid food coloring can.

Step 4: Frost the Cooled Cookie Bars
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. You can make the frosting as thick or thin as you like, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles (Optional)
For a fun and festive touch, sprinkle your favorite sprinkles over the frosted bars. Get creative with seasonal or holiday-themed sprinkles for added flair!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results:

• Overbaking the Cookie Bars: Sugar cookies should be soft and chewy, so avoid overbaking the dough. Check for doneness by looking for lightly golden edges and a center that’s set but still soft.
• Frosting Too Soon: Be sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, and with a few simple touches, they can look as amazing as they taste!

• Cut Even Squares: For a polished look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles. Wiping the knife between cuts ensures clean edges.
• Serve on a Tiered Tray: Arrange the cookie bars on a tiered tray for a beautiful dessert table presentation. This works especially well for parties or gatherings.
• Decorate for Special Occasions: Add a festive twist with themed sprinkles and frosting colors for birthdays, holidays, or events. For example, use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to presenting these fun and colorful cookie bars, creativity is key! Here are some presentation ideas to elevate the look of your bars:

• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bar in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for party favors or gifts.
• Add Edible Glitter: Make the bars even more eye-catching by dusting the frosting with edible glitter or shimmer powder.
• Use Piped Frosting: For an extra-special touch, pipe the frosting onto the bars using a star or round piping tip for a bakery-style finish.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make these cookie bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer chilled bars.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Freeze unfrosted cookie bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can freeze the bars either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, freeze unfrosted bars, then frost them after thawing.

2. How do I store Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make the frosting in advance?
Yes! You can make the frosting up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before using.

4. What if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Chilling the frosting for a few minutes can also help thicken it.

5. Can I add food coloring to the cookie dough?
Yes! You can add food coloring to the cookie dough for a fun twist. Simply mix the food coloring into the dough after adding the dry ingredients.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, chewy base and rich, creamy frosting, these bars offer the flavor and texture of classic sugar cookies without the extra effort. Plus, they’re highly customizable with different frosting colors, sprinkles, and even flavor variations. Whether you’re making them for a special event, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

Print