Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of soft, chewy sugar cookies and creamy, sweet frosting, you'll absolutely love frosted sugar cookie bars. This recipe brings together everything you adore about sugar cookies but in the form of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bars. No more rolling out dough and cutting shapes—just spread it in a pan, bake, frost, and enjoy! Follow along to learn how to make these delightful treats step-by-step and pick up some handy tips along the way. Let’s get baking!

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What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially sugar cookies, but baked in a pan and cut into bar shapes instead of the traditional cookie shape. These soft, buttery cookie bars are topped with a thick layer of creamy frosting and can be customized with colorful sprinkles or even food coloring in the frosting. They're easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from holiday parties to birthday celebrations, or even just for a sweet indulgence at home.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

To make the perfect frosted sugar cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients for the base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The main sweetener that also helps give the cookies their tender texture.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping the cookie bars hold together while baking.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bars, giving them their chewy bite.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that ensures the cookie bars rise slightly and remain soft.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Ingredients List for the Frosting

For the luscious frosting that tops these sugar cookie bars, you'll need:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Forms the creamy base for the frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a thick, sweet frosting with the perfect consistency for spreading.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting with a classic, sweet taste.
• Food coloring (optional): Customize your frosting with a variety of colors to suit any occasion.
• Sprinkles (optional): For that fun, festive touch on top of your frosted bars.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this frosted sugar cookie bars recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter with a plant-based butter and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of heavy cream in the frosting.
• Flavor Variations: You can add a teaspoon of almond extract in place of the vanilla extract for a different flavor profile, or even a splash of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Topping Ideas: While sprinkles are the classic choice, you can also add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these delicious frosted sugar cookie bars from start to finish. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees success.

1. Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. This will help give your cookie bars a moist and flavorful base.
4. Mix in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5. Spread the dough: Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the pan, making sure the dough reaches all the corners.
6. Bake the cookie bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.
7. Cool the bars: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is essential to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

How to Make the Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cream the butter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add heavy cream and vanilla: Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to spread. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time.
4. Color the frosting (optional): If you’d like to color your frosting, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
6. Decorate with sprinkles: Add your favorite sprinkles on top of the frosting for a fun, festive look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be sure to keep an eye on the cookie bars while they bake. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars rather than the soft, chewy texture you want.
• Frosting before cooling: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully before frosting, or the frosting will melt and become runny.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Using parchment paper in the baking pan helps ensure the bars don’t stick and makes for easy removal when it’s time to slice.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted sugar cookie bars are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. You can store them in the fridge for a firmer texture or leave them out for a softer bite. Cut them into even squares or rectangles for a clean, uniform presentation. These bars are perfect for sharing, so be sure to make them look as tempting as possible!

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted sugar cookie bars make an excellent dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. They’re also a great treat to bring to potlucks, bake sales, or parties, as they travel well and don’t require utensils for serving.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For special occasions, you can get creative with how you present these bars. Consider the following ideas:

• Holiday Themes: Tint the frosting red or green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
• Layered Look: Use two different frosting colors and swirl them together for a marbled effect.
• Seasonal Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles to match the occasion, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day or snowflakes for winter gatherings.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough for firmer bars: If you prefer a denser, chewier texture, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Make ahead of time: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them a great option for prepping ahead of events.
• Double the recipe: If you're making these for a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger sheet pan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze both the frosted and unfrosted cookie bars. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Absolutely! While classic buttercream is most popular, you could also use cream cheese frosting or even a chocolate frosting for a richer flavor.

Q: How long do frosted sugar cookie bars last?
A: These bars will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect dessert when you’re looking for something easy, fun, and incredibly delicious. The combination of soft, buttery cookie bars and sweet, creamy frosting is irresistible. Whether you're making them for a party or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, with endless possibilities for customization, you can make them your own for any occasion. Now, grab your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy your homemade frosted sugar cookie bars!

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