Get ready to fall head over heels for Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, the dreamy dessert that delivers all the nostalgia and joy of bakery sugar cookies in an easy-to-make bar form! Imagine tender, buttery cookie layers topped with a plush blanket of creamy, colorful frosting and a generous shower of cheerful sprinkles. Every bite is soft, thick, and perfectly sweet—guaranteed to disappear fast at any party or family gathering. With a straightforward ingredient list and foolproof steps, these bars are destined to become your new go-to treat whenever you need a little extra happiness (or have a sprinkle emergency).

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars comes from everyday staples that, when combined just right, transform into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that classic softness, rich flavor, and beautiful pastel finish we all love.

Unsalted Butter (softened): Essential for tenderness and that melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps them stay soft and pillowy.
Large Egg: Adds structure and moisture for a tender bite.
Egg Yolk: Boosts richness and keeps the bars extra soft.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses that classic, comforting sugar cookie aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect foundation for chewy, thick bars.
Baking Powder: Ensures just the right lift and softness without making the bars cakey.
Salt: Amplifies all the lovely flavors and balances sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting ultra-smooth and cloud-like.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Gives the frosting its luscious, spreadable consistency.
Food Coloring (optional): Turns your frosting into a playful, festive palette.
Sprinkles (optional): Adds a burst of color and classic cookie shop charm.

How to Make Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Heat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This simple step guarantees the bars lift out easily and deliver those beautiful, clean edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which leads to the signature soft texture of Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the whole egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is perfectly combined. The extra yolk adds luxurious softness, while the vanilla brings warm, bakery-style flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these separately before adding helps ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed (and prevents any salty surprises).

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, gently stirring just until you have a well-blended, thick dough. Take care not to over-mix—the less you work the dough, the softer your bars will be!

Step 6: Press and Bake

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it in evenly—use clean hands or an offset spatula for smooth, even thickness. Bake for 18–22 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden hue and the center is set (don’t overbake, or you’ll lose the bar’s signature softness).

Step 7: Cool Completely

Patience is worth it here! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which keeps them wonderfully moist and easy to frost without any melting mishaps.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until the frosting is silky, fluffy, and irresistible. Add food coloring for a playful twist if you like!

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over your cooled bars, swirling it to your liking. Finish with plenty of sprinkles for that signature Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars sparkle.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

For the cleanest squares, chill the frosted bars for about 30 minutes before slicing. Then cut, serve, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Don’t hold back when it comes to garnishes! Rainbow sprinkles are the classic choice, but try pastel dragees, colored sanding sugar, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra-special finish. The joy is in the details—make every bar as fun or festive as the occasion calls for.

Side Dishes

These dreamy bars pair beautifully with an ice-cold glass of milk, a creamy hot cocoa, or a cup of fruity tea. If you’re building a dessert platter, add chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh berries, or mini cups of pudding for a well-rounded sweet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars shine on a party tray, tucked into lunchboxes, or displayed in cellophane bags with pretty ribbons for gifts or bake sales. For a crowd, cut them into bite-size pieces and serve as part of a dessert buffet, or use themed sprinkles to tailor them to any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted bars in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper if stacking, at room temperature for up to 3 days. For slightly firmer bars (and an extra bit of freshness), you can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully—even with the frosting! Arrange squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving to restore their softness.

Reheating

While Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you like them a bit warm, zap individual squares in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the frosting!

FAQs

Can I make Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make a batch a day ahead and keep them covered until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?

You can, in a pinch, use your favorite store-bought vanilla frosting, but the homemade version is uniquely fluffy, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet—definitely worth a few extra minutes!

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

No problem: Use two 8×8-inch pans and start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Adjust the baking time as needed—thinner bars may bake faster.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake up a little more delicate.

How do I get perfectly smooth frosting?

Start with room temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar for the silkiest results. Beat your frosting longer for an ultra-light, whipped finish, and use an offset spatula for a flawless spread.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are just the ticket. Their irresistible softness, nostalgic flavor, and customizable colors make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, invite some helpers, and let these cheerful cookie bars work their sweet magic in your kitchen!

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the irresistible flavors of sugar cookies with a creamy, colorful frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleaser and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookie bars:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the cookie bars: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, press into pan, and bake.
Prepare the frosting: Beat butter, add sugar, cream, vanilla, salt, and food coloring. Frost the cooled bars and add sprinkles.
Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!