Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! The Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is the ultimate treat that combines the soft, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies with a smooth, luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. These bars are perfect for sharing with friends, taking to parties, or just satisfying your own sweet tooth any day of the week. The perfect mix of chewy and creamy, they’re sure to become your new favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with simple but essential ingredients, and this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is no exception. Each one plays a crucial role in making the bars tender, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible frosting everyone will want to dive into.
- 2½ cups flour (312 g): The base of your bars, providing structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift for a light texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise and promotes a tender crumb.
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 â…“ cups sugar (267 g): Sweetness that keeps these bars perfectly balanced, not too sugary or bland.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g): Provides that rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds a subtle tang and creamy softness that makes the bars extra special.
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Infuses the bars with warm, sweet vanilla flavor.
- ½ tsp almond extract: A little nutty surprise that elevates the whole flavor profile.
- ½ cup butter, softened: For the frosting, giving it that silky, spreadable texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting just right for that classic sugar cookie finish.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Boosts the frosting’s flavor, matching the bars perfectly.
- ¼ tsp almond extract: Continues the almond note in the frosting for delicious harmony.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors in the frosting.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to dreamy and fluffy.
- Sprinkles for topping: Because what’s a sugar cookie bar without a little fun and color?
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot for even baking. While it heats, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and your bars will rise perfectly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. It’s the secret step that helps give your cookie bars that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition for a smooth batter. Then mix in the cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract until everything is fully blended, creating a rich and luscious base for the bars.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to over-mix here to keep your bars tender. If you want a festive twist, fold in the sprinkles at this stage for pops of color throughout the dough.
Step 5: Press Dough into Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Press the sticky cookie dough evenly into the pan; spraying your hands lightly with oil or placing a piece of parchment on top can make this easier. It’s a bit sticky, but don’t worry—you’re almost there!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 17 to 22 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. The center will still be slightly soft, which is perfect because it continues to set once out of the oven. Let the bars cool completely before moving to frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla, almond extract, and sea salt, and blend well. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Then pour in the heavy cream and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable—feel free to tweak the cream amount for your perfect texture.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars for a luscious finish, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra sprinkles on top! Let the frosting set before cutting to keep those squares neat and delightful.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the colorful sprinkles that bring a party vibe, consider fresh berries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance both the look and flavor of your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These little touches can make your dessert feel extra special for guests or family.
Side Dishes
Serve your sugar cookie bars alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance sweetness and create a comforting combination. For a festive occasion, pairing with fresh fruit salad or a light sorbet creates a perfect contrast in textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe into traditional squares or experiment with fun cookie cutter shapes for parties or holiday events. Arrange the bars on a decorative platter or tiered stand to highlight the colorful sprinkles and inviting frosting, making dessert the star of your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers fresh by storing the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting stays soft and delicious, and the cookie bars maintain their perfect chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Place unfrosted bars in a freezer-safe container wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the frosting separately or frost after thawing for best results.
Reheating
For the freshest experience, let frozen bars thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you want a warm treat, gently microwave individual unfrosted bars for 10-15 seconds—avoid the frosting warming up too much or melting to keep that flawless finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste adds specks of vanilla and a slightly richer flavor, pure vanilla extract works beautifully in the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe and is a great substitute if bean paste is hard to find.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Sure thing! Swap out regular flour for your favorite gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binder. The texture will still be wonderful, though the flavor and chewiness might be a bit different but equally satisfying.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract lends a subtle nutty note, but if it’s not on hand, simply omit it or replace it with an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. The bars will still taste fantastic and just a touch less nutty.
Can I add sprinkles to the frosting instead of the cookie batter?
Definitely! Sprinkles are super versatile. Adding them on top of the frosting means they stay more vibrant and crunchy, while folding them into the batter creates a fun ‘inside’ surprise. It’s all about what vibe and texture you want!
How thick should I press the dough into the pan?
Press the dough evenly to about ½ to ¾ inch thick in the pan. This ensures the bars bake evenly with just the right balance of soft center and slightly firmer edges, making every bite perfectly satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dessert that feels both classic and fresh, and this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe hits that sweet spot effortlessly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars promise a joyful baking experience and a delicious reward. So, grab your mixing bowl, get those sprinkles ready, and enjoy making this new favorite that’s sure to bring smiles every time!
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and almond extracts, these bars offer the nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies in an easy-to-cut bar form, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
Cookie Bars
- 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
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)
Topping
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°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 well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Incorporate Dry: Add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and cream cheese to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed, just until no streaks of flour remain. If you want sprinkles inside the bars, fold them in with the last of the dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Pan and Press Dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil your hands or spray them with cooking spray to handle the sticky dough. Press the dough evenly into the pan; you can use an extra piece of parchment to smooth the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 17-22 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown. The center may still look slightly underdone but will firm up as it cools. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla bean paste (or extract), almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating to combine after each addition. Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time and beat until frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for decoration. Let the frosting set before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter make for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once adding flour to ensure soft, tender bars.
- Baking times can vary based on oven, so watch for golden edges.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the frosted bars until the frosting is firm.
- Additional sprinkles can be added inside the batter or just on top as desired.
