If you have a soft spot for classic sugar cookies but wish they were easier to share and perfect for any occasion, then this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is just the treat you need. Imagine the buttery richness of a sugar cookie, baked into a large slab of tender, chewy delight, then generously topped with creamy, colorful frosting that’s just begging to be decorated your way. These bars bring all the nostalgia and flavor of your favorite holiday cookie but with none of the fuss of rolling and cutting dough — they’re simple, festive, and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe hinges on just the right balance of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each item plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that keeps everything tender to the sweet vanilla and almond extracts that add subtle depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups + 1/2 cup): Softened butter is crucial for that rich, tender crumb and smooth frosting base.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): It sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs give structure and moisture to the cookie bars, keeping them soft yet sturdy.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, familiar sweetness that enhances the cookie flavor.
- Almond extract (1 tsp): A subtle nutty aroma that elevates this classic sugar cookie beyond ordinary.
- All-purpose flour (5 cups): The foundation of the dough, it’s what holds everything together.
- Salt (1 ½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enriches flavor.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): A small lift that keeps these bars from feeling dense.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): The base for the luxurious, creamy frosting you’ll spread over the bars.
- Heavy cream (5-6 tbsp): Adjusts the frosting’s texture to perfectly smooth and spreadable.
- Food coloring (optional): Customize your frosting to match any holiday or celebration.
- Sprinkles or decorations: Add fun and personality to your finished bars.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, grab a 17 by 12-inch rimmed cookie sheet and spray it with a non-stick coating. Getting these ready sets the stage for your cookie bars to bake evenly and come out with perfect edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the 1 1/2 cups of softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light. This step is key to creating tender bars with a nice crumb. Once smooth, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well after each addition to make sure everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Slowly fold these dry components into your wet mixture, mixing just until your dough forms and the ingredients are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, so your bars stay soft and tender.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepped baking sheet, spreading it out so it forms a smooth, uniform layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes — keep a close eye after 15 minutes. When the edges start to just turn golden brown, it’s time to take the pan out. This ensures your bars are perfectly baked without getting too crisp.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Patience is a virtue here and really worth it. Let the cookie slab cool entirely in the pan before you move on. Cooling gives the bars a chance to set up nicely, so when it comes time to frost, you get a clean, beautiful surface to spread on that creamy topping.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the bars cool, start your frosting by creaming the remaining 1/2 cup of butter in a large bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating as you go. Then, slowly incorporate heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you’re feeling festive, add your desired food coloring now and mix until the color is even.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Now comes the fun part — sprinkle on your favorite decorations, whether that’s colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed toppers. Once decorated, let the frosting set a bit before slicing into 16 warm, generous bars.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkling of festive colored sugar or playful sprinkles instantly makes these cookie bars feel like a celebration. For a special touch, try drizzling melted chocolate or adding small bits of candied citrus zest on top. These little additions add texture and flavor that make each bite delightful.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookie bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit to balance sweetness, such as sliced strawberries or a bowl of mixed berries. If you want a cozy treat, serve alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or a creamy latte for a perfect afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to elevate your presentation? Cut the bars into mini bites and arrange them on a festive platter with seasonal greenery or edible flowers for a charming touch at parties. Wrapping individual bars in decorative parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes great edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container on the counter to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered ensures the frosting stays moist and the bars don’t dry out.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, they freeze beautifully. Just slice them into bars after baking, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze frosted bars for up to 2 months, though it’s often best to freeze the unfrosted bars and add frosting after thawing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, thaw them overnight at room temperature. If you like a warm treat, pop a bar or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the texture without melting the frosting too much. Freshly frosted bars can also be given a quick chill in the fridge before serving for a firmer topping.
FAQs
Can I substitute extracts in the recipe?
Absolutely! If almond extract isn’t your favorite, you can omit it or swap in lemon or coconut extract to bring a different twist while still keeping that nutty, sweet undertone.
What type of butter is best to use?
Stick to unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness more precisely. Salted butter can add extra seasoning, which might throw off the balance in this sweet recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for best results, and consider a slight adjustment in the amount of flour.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Edges turning a light golden brown is your best indicator. The center should look set but not dry. Slicing too soon can cause the bars to crumble, so patience here pays off!
Can I use different frostings on these bars?
Definitely! While this recipe’s buttercream frosting is classic, cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze would work beautifully for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe that just feels like home and celebration all rolled into one. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these bars bring smiles and that perfect combination of buttery, sweet, and creamy with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make some beautiful memories with this easy, joyful recipe!
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and buttery Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with a smooth, creamy frosting. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for sharing at any occasion, featuring a tender sugar cookie base topped with a sweet vanilla-almond buttercream that can be customized with your favorite colors and sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5–6 tbsp heavy cream
- Food coloring of choice (optional)
- Sprinkles or decorations
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 17×12-inch rimmed cookie sheet with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light in texture. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform cookie dough forms without any dry spots.
- Press Dough into Pan and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared cookie sheet, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown and the center is set. Remove promptly if edges brown earlier.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to ensure the icing does not melt or slide off.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well after each addition. Slowly add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. If desired, add food coloring and mix thoroughly.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
- Store: Keep the frosted bars in a covered container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookie bars to keep them soft and tender.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Customize the frosting color with your favorite food coloring for festive occasions.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best mixing results.
