If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the classic charm of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar dessert, then this Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a crumbly, buttery base topped with a smooth, sweet frosting that you can customize with colors and sprinkles to match any occasion. Whether you need a quick dessert for a party or a comforting snack to brighten your day, these bars deliver pure happiness in every bite and come together with minimal fuss. You’re going to love how simple and versatile these cookie bars are!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this recipe can be found in your pantry or fridge, which makes it wonderfully convenient. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and taste of your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, from the tender crumb to the creamy frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the classic cookie bar base.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough to stay tender and soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that perfect cookie texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes your frosting silky and creamy.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds that comforting, familiar richness.
- Food coloring (optional): Personalizes your frosting with fun, vibrant colors.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive touch with crunch and color.
How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Begin by combining your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed and that no clumps of flour remain, which is key to getting an even texture in the bars.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps give the bars a tender crumb and slight lift.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and structure while vanilla brings that familiar, warm flavor that makes sugar cookies so comforting.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep the bars soft and tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into a prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This signals that your cookie bars are perfectly baked—crispy at the edges while soft and chewy in the center. Don’t forget to let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter on its own until creamy. Then slowly add the powdered sugar a little at a time on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat everything together until smooth and easy to spread. If you want to get creative, mix in food coloring now to match any theme or mood.
Step 7: Frost Your Cookie Bars
Once the cookie base has cooled, spread your luscious frosting generously over the top. Add a sprinkle of your favorite colorful decorations to make these treats shine and bring a smile to anyone who sees them.
How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are a classic and playful way to dress up your cookie bars, but you can also get adventurous with edible glitter, finely chopped nuts, or even a light dusting of colored sugar crystals. These small touches add visual interest and a bit of extra texture that makes each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or a robust coffee. For a more indulgent experience, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Together, they create a balanced and satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter for parties or gatherings. Layer them in a clear trifle bowl with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert parfait. You can also package them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted sugar cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay deliciously soft and moist for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, the uncut cookie bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely before frosting.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently warm a portion in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften them if they feel too firm. Avoid overheating, as it could melt the frosting or dry out the bars.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that margarine usually contains more water, which might affect the dough’s consistency and the richness of the frosting.
Is it possible to make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still absolutely delicious.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting on warm cookie bars?
Make sure your cookie bars are completely cool before spreading the frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny, which can create a messier presentation.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Try adding lemon zest, cinnamon, or chocolate chips to the dough for a twist on the classic. Just be mindful not to alter the dough too much to maintain the classic sugar cookie bar texture.
What’s the best pan size to use for this recipe?
A 9×13 inch baking pan is perfect because it allows the bars to bake evenly and creates those satisfying, thick layers of cookie and frosting you want in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about homemade sugar cookies in an easy-to-serve bar form, especially when topped with creamy, dreamy frosting. This Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is perfect for moments when you want to bake something simple yet irresistible. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these bars again and again because once you taste the chewy cookie base with that luscious frosting, it’s hard to resist sharing (or not!).
Print
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious twist on classic sugar cookies, baked in a single pan and topped with a creamy, smooth frosting. Perfect for sharing, these bars offer a soft, buttery base with a sweet vanilla-flavored icing, customizable with food coloring and sprinkles for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into a prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform thickness.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the cookie dough in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring.
- Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles if using. Cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars have completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a lighter frosting, adjust the amount of heavy cream to your desired consistency.
- You can customize the frosting color and decorations to fit holidays or special occasions.
- Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
