Dreamy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: A Sweet Family Treat

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delectable frosted sugar cookie bars that practically melt in your mouth.

Childhood comfort wraps around each soft, buttery bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind while mixing these simple ingredients.

Layers of creamy frosting add a dreamy touch to the classic cookie texture.

Soft, pillowy squares promise pure delight with every single crumb.

Each batch brings pure joy and a sprinkle of nostalgia.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these irresistible treats.

Keeping Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Fresh

• Store frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Refrigerate the bars in a sealed container for extended freshness, lasting up to 5-7 days while maintaining their delicious texture.
• Freeze unfrosted cookie bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, preserving their taste and quality.
• Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 1-2 hours before adding frosting, ensuring they return to their original soft and delectable state.

FAQs

• Are these sugar cookie bars easy to make?

Yes, they’re super simple! With basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even beginner bakers can successfully create these delicious bars.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives better control over the overall flavor.

• Why add almond extract?

Almond extract enhances the vanilla flavor, giving the cookie bars a more complex and rich taste. It’s optional but recommended for a more gourmet flavor profile.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. They should look slightly underbaked in the middle, as they’ll continue cooking while cooling and prevent dry, tough bars.

Why Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Are Crowd Favorites

• Blast Through Baking: Super simple recipe that even beginner bakers can master without stress, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, and family gatherings where everyone craves a sweet treat that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.
• Customize with Creativity: Adaptable recipe allows personalization through different food coloring options, sprinkle variations, and extract flavor tweaks to match any celebration or mood.
• Quick Kitchen Win: Faster alternative to traditional sugar cookies, eliminating individual cookie cutting and providing a convenient sheet-style dessert that saves preparation time and reduces cleanup.

Ingredients to Bake Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookie bars.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookie bars rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the cookie bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie bars' golden color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cookie bars' taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting for the cookie bars.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the frosting.

• Food Coloring, Sprinkles: Adds visual appeal and fun to the finished cookie bars.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage on all sides.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until perfectly combined and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture looks light, airy, and fluffy.

• One egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Blend until smooth and well integrated.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Mix gently until everything comes together into a cohesive dough. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake Cookie Base

Spread dough evenly across prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges and set center.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Frosting

Using an electric mixer, whip butter and powdered sugar until super smooth. Add milk and vanilla.

Beat until frosting reaches perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Once cookie base completely cools, slather frosting across the top.

Optional: Add food coloring or sprinkles for extra fun. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Success

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing and better texture in cookie bars.
• Use room temperature egg to ensure even incorporation and prevent lumpy batter during preparation.
• Choose clear vanilla extract for brighter, whiter frosting if you want a pristine appearance in your bars.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookie bars; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, smooth frosting layer that sets perfectly.

Creative Spins on Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and swap powdered sugar with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free treat.
• Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a classic chocolate-studded cookie bar experience.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's signature sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Sweet Celebration Platter: Arrange bars on a festive tray with colorful sprinkles scattered around, perfect for birthday parties or family gatherings.
• Dessert Breakfast Twist: Pair these cookie bars with morning coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful sweet start to your day, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these bars in individual wrappers for outdoor events, potlucks, or school lunches, ensuring easy transportation and mess-free enjoyment.
• Gift-Worthy Dessert: Wrap bars in clear cellophane with a decorative ribbon, creating a homemade gift that shows personal care and baking love.

Best Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible frosted sugar cookie bars combine classic bakery sweetness with homemade comfort. Creamy frosting and tender cookie base create a delightful dessert you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 egg

Leavening Agents:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a light texture.
4. Introduce egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, fragrant base.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
7. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for a set center and light golden edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, which helps achieve the perfect bar texture.
9. Prepare frosting by whipping butter and powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, smooth consistency.
10. Incorporate milk and vanilla into the frosting, mixing until light and spreadable.
11. Once the cookie base has cooled, generously spread the frosting across the entire surface.
12. Enhance the presentation by adding food coloring to the frosting and sprinkling decorative toppings.
13. Slice into uniform bars and serve at room temperature for the ultimate sweet treat.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookie bars that lose their tender texture.
• Experiment with extract variations like lemon or coconut to create unique flavor profiles matching different occasions or personal preferences.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting colors without changing the consistency of the frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 271
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 121 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg