Craving a sweet treat that's soft, chewy, and packed with irresistible frosting? These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and deliver all the classic flavors of sugar cookies without the need for rolling dough or cutting shapes. Read on to discover how to make these delectable bars that will be the star of any dessert table!
What are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. Instead of rolling the dough into individual cookies, the dough is spread into a baking dish, baked into soft, buttery bars, and then topped with a generous layer of frosting. These bars have all the flavor of classic sugar cookies but with a more convenient, fuss-free approach. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet, frosted treat.
Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect sugar cookie bars:
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds rich, creamy flavor and ensures a soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and creates a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Optional but highly recommended for a classic sugar cookie flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Gives the bars a slight lift and ensures they don’t turn out too dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk – Provides the perfect consistency for spreading.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the frosting.
- Food coloring – Optional, but fun if you want to customize the bars for different occasions or holidays.
- Sprinkles – Optional, for decorating and adding a little extra crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you're missing an ingredient or want to try a different twist, here are some substitutions and variations you can experiment with:
- Butter Substitutes: If you're out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, you can use vegan butter or margarine.
- Flour Substitutes: All-purpose flour is standard for this recipe, but if you're gluten-sensitive, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute.
- Sugar Variations: For a less refined option, you can use coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple sugar, but keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- Frosting Flavors: Want to mix things up? Add lemon or orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist, or swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a festive holiday variation.
- Different Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, try adding crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar to customize the bars for special events.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is simple and straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, which gives the bars a soft, tender texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Step 6: Spread the Dough in the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the pan.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the bars for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. You want them to be slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. If the bars are too warm, the frosting will melt and create a mess.
How to Cook Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once the sugar cookie bars are baked, it's time to move on to the frosting and decorating stage. Here's how to do it right:
Step 1: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and increase the mixer speed to high, beating until the frosting is fluffy and light. If using food coloring, add it in small drops until the desired color is achieved.
Step 2: Spread the Frosting
Using an offset spatula or a butter knife, spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Be sure to spread it right to the edges for maximum deliciousness in every bite.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Top with sprinkles, candies, or any decorative toppings of your choice while the frosting is still soft, so they stick properly.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once frosted and decorated, use the parchment paper to lift the cookie bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overbaking: Don’t leave the bars in the oven too long. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars rather than the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Frosting Too Early: Make sure the bars are fully cooled before frosting. Warm bars will melt the frosting and create a sloppy mess.
- Uneven Spreading: When pressing the dough into the baking dish, take care to spread it as evenly as possible. Uneven dough will lead to uneven baking, with some areas being overcooked and others undercooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once you've baked and frosted your cookie bars, it's time to serve them in style. Here are some creative ideas for serving and presenting your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:
- Casual Gatherings: Cut the bars into small squares and arrange them on a large serving platter. They’re easy to pick up and perfect for casual gatherings like potlucks or birthday parties.
- Gift Boxes: Wrap individual bars in cellophane or wax paper and place them in decorative boxes for a homemade gift. They make great holiday or thank-you gifts.
- Holiday Desserts: Customize the frosting colors and sprinkles to fit the season. Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:
- Layered Display: Stack bars in layers on a tiered dessert stand for a visually appealing display.
- Themed Decorations: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into themed shapes, or use special stencils to dust powdered sugar designs on top.
- Toppings Bar: For parties, set up a toppings bar where guests can add their own sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter to personalize their bars.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
Here are some bonus tips to ensure your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfect every time:
- Chilling the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky to press into the pan, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Cutting Cleanly: For neat, clean edges when cutting the bars, wipe your knife between cuts with a damp cloth.
- Storing: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cookie bars for up to 2 months. Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely. While a classic buttercream works best, you can use cream cheese frosting or even a whipped frosting if you prefer a lighter topping.
How do I keep the frosting from melting?
To avoid melted frosting, make sure your bars are completely cooled before frosting. If it’s a particularly warm day, you can refrigerate the frosted bars for about 20 minutes to set the frosting.
Conclusion
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. With their soft, chewy base and sweet, creamy frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at any event. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the sweet simplicity of these frosted delights!
PrintFrosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These frosted sugar cookie bars are a delicious dessert that combines a soft, chewy sugar cookie base with a creamy, sweet frosting. Perfect for parties or holidays, this easy-to-make treat is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the classic flavor of sugar cookies with a twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking pan.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet ingredients.
- Press dough into the pan and bake.
- Let cool, then frost with a mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring.
- Slice into bars and serve!
Notes
- Use food coloring in the frosting for a festive look.
- Add sprinkles for extra decoration!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
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