If you love the taste of sugar cookies but are looking for a way to simplify the baking process, then frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect treat for you! These delicious bars combine the flavors of classic sugar cookies with a rich, creamy frosting, making them the ultimate dessert. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. So, let's dive in and learn how to make frosted sugar cookie bars that will have everyone asking for more. Keep reading to discover the full recipe, substitutions, serving ideas, and tips for perfecting this delightful dessert!
What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially sugar cookies baked in a pan and cut into squares, then topped with a luscious layer of frosting. Unlike traditional individual sugar cookies that require rolling and cutting, these bars are easier and quicker to prepare while delivering the same soft, buttery flavor. The thick layer of frosting not only adds sweetness but also provides a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the bars. It's a treat that looks as good as it tastes, and it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
To make these delectable frosted sugar cookie bars, you'll need a variety of simple, pantry-staple ingredients that are commonly found in sugar cookie and frosting recipes. Here’s everything you’ll need for the cookie bars:
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds great flavor)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners' sugar)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, for a lighter frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, to give your frosting a fun hue)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to customize or adapt this recipe based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are some great substitutions and variations for frosted sugar cookie bars:
- Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free sugar cookie bars. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are also certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter in both the cookie bars and frosting with a plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or margarine. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting.
- Flavored Frosting: To add a unique twist, try adding flavor extracts to the frosting, such as peppermint, lemon, or almond extract, for a fun variation that pairs well with the sweet cookie base.
- Chocolate Variation: You can sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter before baking, or add cocoa powder to the frosting to create a chocolate version of frosted sugar cookie bars.
- Seasonal Toppings: Customize your frosting color and sprinkles to match the season! Think pastel colors for spring, red and green for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating frosted sugar cookie bars is as simple as mixing, baking, and decorating! Here’s a breakdown of the steps so you can follow along and create these delicious bars with ease.
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will ensure that your cookie bars release easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract gives a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet bars, but feel free to leave it out if it’s not your preference.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
5. Spread the Dough
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth it out and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Bars
Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft but set. Let them cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred color.
8. Frost and Decorate
Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
How to Cook Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making frosted sugar cookie bars is much easier than preparing traditional sugar cookies because you don’t need to roll out or individually cut the dough. Here's a quick step-by-step guide:
- Preheat Oven: Always start by preheating your oven to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and flavorings, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake in a Pan: Instead of rolling out dough, simply spread it into a prepared pan.
- Frost and Decorate: Let the bars cool before adding a thick layer of frosting and any decorations like sprinkles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Bars: The cookie bars should be soft and chewy, so keep a close eye on them while baking. They should be lightly golden at the edges but not brown.
- Not Letting the Bars Cool Before Frosting: Frosting too soon will cause the frosting to melt into the bars, making a gooey mess.
- Using Cold Butter: If your butter isn't properly softened, it won’t cream well with the sugar, leading to dense and heavy bars.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your frosted sugar cookie bars are baked, frosted, and cut, it's time to present them in a way that makes them look as irresistible as they taste. Here are some fun ideas:
- Color Coordinated Frosting: For special occasions or holidays, match your frosting color to the event. Pastels for Easter, reds and greens for Christmas, or even black and orange for Halloween.
- Add Texture: After frosting, top the bars with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzles of melted chocolate for extra flair.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Serve frosted sugar cookie bars as a delightful dessert at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. You can plate them alongside other desserts like brownies or cakes for a colorful dessert buffet. For a more casual presentation, simply pile them on a serving tray with a napkin-lined basket.
Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Decorative Platters: Arrange the bars on a decorative cake stand or tiered tray to give them a professional touch.
- Cookie Gift Boxes: Pack the bars in cute bakery boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, making them the perfect homemade gift.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Thicker Frosting: If you prefer a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to double the frosting recipe!
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze the bars (unfrosted) for up to three months. Thaw them and add frosting when you’re ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the bars a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them right before serving.
- How should I store frosted sugar cookie bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing.
Conclusion
Frosted sugar cookie bars are a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the richness of creamy frosting. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, birthday, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With plenty of options for customization, you can easily adapt the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Follow the step-by-step guide and tips to ensure perfectly baked, beautifully decorated bars every time. Enjoy!
PrintFrosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars recipe features soft and chewy cookie bars topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla, these easy-to-make bars are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays or any celebration, they're quick to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until set. Let it cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy, then add milk and vanilla. Spread over the cooled cookie bars.
- Optionally, add food coloring and sprinkles. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- The frosting can be customized with different colors or toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
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