If you have a sweet tooth and love treats that are both delightful and simple to make, you are going to be head over heels for this Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookie bars baked to perfection, then topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting that you can customize with your favorite colors and sprinkles. These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfectly tender, irresistibly sweet, and so straightforward to whip up for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive holiday, these frosted bars will quickly become your go-to dessert that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in making your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe taste like a delicious dream. From the buttery richness to the sweet, fluffy frosting, every component is essential in building the perfect texture and flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies providing structure and that classic tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft bite without getting cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Gives the dough its rich and buttery goodness; softened butter ensures easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that slightly crisp edge on the bars.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor that spices up the dough beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The creamy base that makes your frosting luscious.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable texture.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk): Lightens the frosting and makes it silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth of flavor to the creamy topping.
- Food coloring (optional): A fun way to customize your frosting for holidays or celebrations.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive crunch and color that make the bars extra special.
How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix is what will give your bars their soft yet sturdy texture. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is key for that melt-in-your-mouth softness. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, folding them in until a smooth dough forms that’s easy to press into your pan.
Step 2: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Make sure it’s spread out smoothly, so the bars bake evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This gentle baking ensures the bars stay soft in the center but with just enough crisp on the edges to give that perfect texture contrast. Once baked, let the bars cool completely before frosting—that frosting sticks best when the bars aren’t warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy and luscious. Then, gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing at a low speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. This is where you can have fun—if you like, add a splash of food coloring for a pop of color or decide on the classic white. Your frosting should spread easily but hold its shape well.
Step 4: Frost the Bars
Once your sugar cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. If you want, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles to give your cookies that extra sparkle and charm. Cut into bars to serve, revealing those soft, buttery layers beneath the creamy frosting topping.
How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your frosted sugar cookie bars can bring an extra dimension to this sweet treat. Think beyond sprinkles—try finely chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or edible glitter for a dazzling finish. A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder can also add a subtle twist that delights the palate.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. A fresh fruit salad or berry compote on the side can also balance out the sweetness with fruity brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe the star of your dessert table by layering them in a pretty box tied with twine for gifts or arranging them on a decorative platter with parchment paper for a party. You could even pipe fun messages or patterns on the frosting for birthdays or holidays, turning these bars into personalized edible treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and moist. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, so they’re perfect for making ahead of time for events or weekday treats.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can warm them slightly to bring back softness—just pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This little tip makes the frosting a bit creamier and the cookie extra tender, almost like fresh-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt. This helps keep the balance of flavors just right.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the frosting?
Heavy cream provides a rich, smooth texture to the frosting, but you can substitute with milk if needed. Just keep in mind that milk will make the frosting slightly thinner, so add it gradually for the ideal consistency.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit makes for a delicious variation and adds interesting textures. Just fold them in after combining all the dough ingredients.
How do I get perfectly even bars when cutting?
Chill the frosted bars for about 30 minutes before cutting to firm up the frosting and make cleaner cuts. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will also give you the neatest slices.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency and adjust if needed with a little extra flour or liquid to get the right texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves a sweet, simple dessert that’s quick to prepare but impressive in flavor. With buttery softness, a luscious frosting, and endless options for personalizing, these bars are the perfect yum factor for your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch everyone’s faces light up with every bite!
Print
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, offering a soft and chewy texture with a sweet, creamy frosting. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet treat, these bars are simple to make and serve a crowd with 24 delicious portions.
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 the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms with no dry spots.
- Prepare to Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into a prepared baking pan, spreading it out to create a uniform layer for even baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden indicating the cookies are done. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired to create festive hues.
- Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Softened butter means butter that is left at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes for easy mixing.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter and use non-dairy milk or cream.
- To store, keep the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Feel free to personalize the frosting color and toppings to suit any occasion or holiday.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
