Nothing beats the warm, comforting joy of sugar cookies, but when they come together in one big, irresistible sheet of sweet delight, you have something truly special. This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe takes that beloved classic and transforms it into a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a tender, buttery base layered beneath a luscious, creamy frosting speckled with colorful sprinkles, these bars promise every bite to be a little moment of happiness. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting something homemade, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars will quickly become a treasured favorite. Let me walk you through why this recipe is an absolute must-try and how to make the magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple, staple ingredients that come together to create a spectacular flavor and texture. Each element plays its part–from the flour providing the structure, butter enriching the taste and tenderness, to the cream cheese lending an extra creamy dimension that makes this batter so special.
- 2½ cups flour (312 g): The base for these bars, giving structure and that perfect chewy-soft texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise just enough.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to keep the texture tender and light.
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 â…“ cups sugar (267 g): Sweetens the dough while contributing to its tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g): Adds richness and moistness essential for perfect sugar cookie bars.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together for a smooth, cohesive dough.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the batter an irresistibly creamy, tangy note and a tender crumb.
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste or extract: Infuses deep, aromatic vanilla flavor.
- ½ tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth that elevates the cookie flavor.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract: Provides that classic vanilla sweetness in the frosting.
- ¼ tsp almond extract: Continues the warm nutty nuance in the frosting.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness and brightens flavor.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired): Gives the frosting that light, fluffy texture and perfect spreadability.
- Sprinkles for topping: Because what’s a frosted sugar cookie bar without a playful pop of color and crunch?
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready to go when your dough is mixed. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This mixing step might seem minor, but it guarantees your baking agents and salt are evenly distributed, which sets a sturdy foundation for even baking throughout your bars.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want this mixture to become light, fluffy, and pale in color—that air you whip in here makes the cookie bars tender and soft. Don’t rush this step because it truly builds the texture of the final bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Almond Extract, and Cream Cheese
Now, mix in the eggs along with the vanilla bean paste and almond extract for that deep, comforting flavor combination. Next, add the softened cream cheese. This special ingredient surprises people with just how much it enhances moistness and creates a smooth, luxurious cookie dough base you’ll fall in love with.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the bars tough. If you want some festive fun, add sprinkles at this stage and gently fold them in. They’ll bake right into the bars, creating little bursts of color and sweetness.
Step 5: Press Dough into Pan and Bake
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. Because the dough is a bit sticky, lightly spraying your hands with oil or placing parchment on top helps press the dough evenly into the pan. Bake for about 17 to 22 minutes. The edges should turn a soft golden brown while the center might seem just a bit underdone—this is perfect since the bars will firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the bars cool completely, whip up the frosting. Beat softened butter with vanilla, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, and finally, incorporate heavy cream until your frosting is rich, creamy, and fluffy. This frosting isn’t just a sweet topping—it’s a velvety finishing touch that makes these bars unforgettable.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and top with extra sprinkles for that iconic festive look. Let the frosting set before slicing so you can cut clean, beautiful squares. Now, your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe has come to life—ready to wow everyone lucky enough to try them.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While sprinkles are the traditional go-to, feel free to get creative with sanding sugar, edible glitter, or even small festive candies. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch if you want something a bit different but still visually stunning.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars shine alongside cups of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. For an extra indulgent twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into clean, even squares and arrange on a decorated platter for a party or gift wrapped in parchment and tied with twine for a homemade present. Layer bars in decorative tins separated with parchment paper for an impressive dessert gift everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, with the frosting perfectly creamy. For longer storage, the fridge also works, though you might want to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for a later treat, freeze unfrosted baked bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the frosting separately. When you’re ready, thaw both completely at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm bars gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This softens the bars and melts the frosting slightly for a cozy, just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works perfectly in this recipe and will give you the same delicious vanilla flavor. Vanilla bean paste just adds a little more visual appeal with tiny specks and an even richer taste.
Can I substitute cream cheese in the dough with something else?
Cream cheese is key to this recipe’s moistness and slight tang, which sets it apart from standard sugar bars. If you need a substitute, try mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
To get neat squares, make sure the bars and frosting are completely cool and set. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts to avoid smearing the frosting for the prettiest presentation.
How long do these bars last?
Stored properly, these frosted sugar cookie bars stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. Just keep them wrapped airtight!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! If you want to customize, gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit with the dry ingredients. Just be mindful not to overload the dough so it still bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a true joy to bake and an even bigger joy to eat. With its perfect blend of tender cookie, creamy frosting, and playful sprinkles, it’s the kind of dessert that brings instant smiles. Whether you’re baking for family, a party, or just a cozy night in, these bars are the sweetest way to create a little magic in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll hold a special place in your recipe rotation!
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars featuring a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a creamy vanilla almond buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or sweet treats, these bars combine the flavors of classic sugar cookies with a rich, smooth frosting in an easy-to-cut pan format.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- 1â…“ cups sugar (267 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened (113 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Incorporate Dry: Beat in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese until fully combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. If desired, gently fold in sprinkles with the last bit of dry ingredients, being careful not to over-mix.
- Prepare Baking Pan and Press Dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the sticky dough evenly into the pan. To manage the stickiness, lightly spray your hands with oil or use a piece of parchment paper to press dough down smoothly.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Bake for 17-22 minutes until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. The center may appear slightly undercooked, which is fine as the bars continue to set while cooling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla, sea salt, and almond extract and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until incorporated. Finally, mix in the heavy cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add extra sprinkles on top if desired. Let the frosting set before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps to achieve a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid tough cookie bars.
- The centers might seem slightly underbaked right out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- Sprinkles can be mixed into the dough or added on top after frosting for a festive look.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh longer.
