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
Scale
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
