Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you love soft, buttery sugar cookies but want something even easier to make, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! These bars give you all the deliciousness of traditional sugar cookies but without the hassle of rolling out dough or cutting individual cookies. Topped with a creamy layer of frosting and festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Ready to satisfy your cookie craving? Read on to find out how you can whip up these irresistible cookie bars in no time!

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a simplified version of classic sugar cookies, baked in a single pan and topped with rich, fluffy frosting. Instead of rolling out the dough and cutting shapes, you simply press the cookie dough into a pan, bake it, and spread on a luscious layer of frosting. These bars have all the buttery, tender qualities of a soft sugar cookie but with a slightly thicker, more substantial texture. They’re perfect for decorating with colorful sprinkles, making them a fun and festive dessert for any event!

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Substitutions and Variations

There are endless ways to customize these cookie bars to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with plant-based butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based milk for the frosting to make these cookie bars vegan.
• Flavored Extracts: If you want to add more flavor, consider replacing or adding to the vanilla extract. Almond, lemon, or peppermint extracts are great options to try.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangier frosting, you can replace some or all of the butter with cream cheese for a delicious cream cheese frosting.
• Colorful Frosting: Add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting to match the theme of your event, whether it’s pastel for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or any other fun color combination.
• Holiday-Themed: Top with holiday-specific sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion (hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for Halloween, etc.).

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is incredibly simple, especially if you follow this step-by-step guide. You’ll go from craving cookies to enjoying them in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie bars tough.

Step 3: Press Dough into the Baking Dish

Once the dough is fully combined, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the dish. Try to ensure that the dough is of even thickness throughout, as this will help the bars bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—the bars should be soft and slightly chewy, not dry.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid powdered sugar clouds. Once combined, add the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

If you’d like colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the desired color is reached.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate the Bars

Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife. Decorate with sprinkles or any other toppings you like while the frosting is still soft, so they stick.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

After frosting the bars, let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

How to Cook Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix the dry ingredients and combine with the wet ingredients to form the cookie dough.
4. Press the dough into the prepared dish, ensuring even coverage.
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
6. Prepare the frosting by beating softened butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until fluffy.
7. Frost the cooled bars, add sprinkles, and cut into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Bars: Be sure to check the bars for doneness at the minimum baking time. Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool Completely: If you frost the bars while they are still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. Let the bars cool fully before applying the frosting.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookie bars. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture.
• Using Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for both the cookie dough and the frosting. Cold butter won’t incorporate well, leading to uneven texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These cookie bars are fun, festive, and perfect for any celebration. Whether you're serving them at a casual family gathering or a fancy party, here are some ideas to present them beautifully:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature: The bars taste great either way. For a firmer texture, chill them in the fridge before serving, but they are just as delicious at room temperature.
• Cut into fun shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut the bars into shapes like hearts, stars, or circles for a unique presentation, especially for holidays.
• Add themed sprinkles: Match the frosting color and sprinkles to the event—red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These bars are perfect for any event, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Serve them on a large platter for guests to grab, or package them individually in treat bags for party favors. You can also layer them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift!

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Create a rainbow of bars: Use multiple colors of frosting to create a vibrant display of cookie bars, perfect for birthday parties or festive events.
• Use edible glitter: Add a touch of sparkle with edible glitter or gold leaf for a more elegant look, especially for celebrations like weddings or showers.
• Layer on a dessert tray: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert tray alongside other small treats like brownies or cupcakes for a beautiful dessert table display.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the bars for easier cutting: If you’re struggling to get clean cuts, try chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Experiment with different frosting flavors: Add different extracts (such as almond or lemon) to the frosting for a unique twist on the traditional vanilla flavor.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This also makes slicing the bars much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Cut them into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bars to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

How long will frosted sugar cookie bars stay fresh?
Frosted sugar cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

What’s the best way to color the frosting?
Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the frosting. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to reach the desired shade.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious treat that combines the buttery softness of sugar cookies with a thick layer of sweet frosting. Whether you're making them for a special event or just as a simple, comforting dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit. With their easy preparation, vibrant appearance, and mouthwatering flavor, you’ll want to make these again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy these delightful cookie bars!

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