Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Are you a fan of soft sugar cookies but don't want to spend hours rolling and cutting dough? Frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect solution! These delicious bars offer all the sweet, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies, but they’re made in a single baking dish and topped with a rich layer of frosting. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make soft, chewy cookie bars that are topped with a layer of creamy frosting that can be customized to suit any occasion.

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially sugar cookies baked in bar form and topped with a luscious layer of frosting. Instead of rolling out individual cookies, the dough is spread into a baking pan, baked until golden, and then frosted after cooling. These bars are thick, soft, and chewy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The creamy frosting can be flavored and colored to fit any event, making this a versatile recipe that works for holidays, birthdays, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering frosted sugar cookie bars. These ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have most of them on hand!

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and stay light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give the bars a soft, chewy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the cookie dough.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the dough.
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie bars.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the sugar cookie dough.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the flavor.

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the frosting, giving it a rich and creamy texture.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk: Helps thin out the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• Food coloring (optional): Customize the frosting for holidays or special occasions.
• Sprinkles (optional): Add a fun, festive touch on top of the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about frosted sugar cookie bars is how easily customizable they are. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make them suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free milk in the frosting.
• Flavored Frosting: You can easily change up the flavor of the frosting by adding extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint.
• Colorful Bars: Add food coloring to the cookie dough for fun and festive bars—perfect for holidays or themed parties.
• Fun Mix-Ins: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips, crushed candies, or sprinkles directly into the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

These substitutions and variations make the recipe adaptable for different occasions and preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these delightful frosted sugar cookie bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the cookie bars out of the pan later.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookie bars tough.

Step 6: Press the Dough into the Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and use a spatula (or your hands) to press it evenly into the pan. Make sure the dough reaches all the edges and is as smooth as possible.

Step 7: Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake—the bars should still be soft in the center, as they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once the cookie bars are done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. This will take about 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds. If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 10: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. If you’re using sprinkles, add them immediately after frosting so they stick to the frosting before it sets.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your frosted sugar cookie bars!

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

Here’s a summarized step-by-step guide to make the process even easier:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in egg and extracts until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Press dough into pan and bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Cool the bars completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the frosting by creaming butter and powdered sugar, then adding cream and vanilla.
9. Frost the cooled bars and add sprinkles if desired.
10. Slice and serve your frosted sugar cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like frosted sugar cookie bars can have a few potential pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes for perfect results every time:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough, dense cookie bars. Mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If they become too dark, they’ll be dry and crumbly. You want the edges to be golden, but the center should still look slightly soft.
• Frosting too soon: Make sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting. If the bars are warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
• Too much frosting: While it’s tempting to pile on the frosting, too much can overwhelm the flavor of the cookie bars. A smooth, even layer is all you need for the perfect balance.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted sugar cookie bars are already visually appealing, but you can elevate their presentation with a few easy tricks:

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Add festive sprinkles: Customize the sprinkles on top for different occasions, such as red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or bright rainbow sprinkles for birthdays.
• Cut them into shapes: Instead of squares, use cookie cutters to create heart-shaped bars for Valentine’s Day or star-shaped bars for the Fourth of July.
• Serve with a glass of milk: These rich, sweet bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Platter arrangement: Arrange the bars on a large platter with a variety of toppings, like different colored sprinkles or drizzles of chocolate.
• Add edible glitter: If you’re serving these at a special event, add some edible glitter or gold leaf on top of the frosting for a glamorous touch.
• Layered dessert display: For a more formal occasion, stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand to make them the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This ensures that the dough mixes smoothly and bakes evenly.
• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift out the bars and cut them into clean, even squares.
• Chill for easier cutting: After frosting the bars, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut clean, neat squares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?

Yes! You can freeze frosted sugar cookie bars for up to 2 months. To freeze, slice the bars, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

How long do frosted sugar cookie bars last?

These bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cookie bars and frosting a day in advance. Store the unfrosted bars at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Let the frosting come to room temperature before spreading it on the bars.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade frosting tastes best, you can absolutely use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time. Just make sure to soften it slightly for easier spreading.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are an easy and delightful treat that combines the nostalgic taste of sugar cookies with the convenience of bar form. The soft, chewy cookie base, paired with creamy frosting, makes them a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, holiday party, or just because, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!

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