Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

There’s something magical about the simplicity and joy that Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars bring to any gathering. I still remember the first time I had them at a friend’s birthday party—glistening with frosting and sprinkled with colorful toppings, they were simply irresistible. Every bite was a burst of sweetness, and I was hooked! These delightful bars have a soft, chewy texture that’s just perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive holiday get-together.

Now, I love making these bars with my family. They’re easy to whip up and the kids adore helping out, especially when it comes to decorating with sprinkles. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! Plus, they cut into neat squares, making them perfect for sharing—or for sneaking a few pieces when no one’s looking. Trust me, once you try these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll want to make them over and over again.

Ingredient List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These ingredients form the foundation of our delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of butter, sugar, and flour leads to that delightful chewy texture, while the frosting elevates these bars to heavenly heights.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, room temperature): The rich base for our bars, providing moisture and flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams): Adds sweetness and contributes to a nice texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams): Introduces caramel notes and enhances chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): A key flavor that brightens the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (1 gram): Adds a delightful hint of nutty flavor.
• 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients and provides richness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (3 grams): A leavening agent that helps the bars rise.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams): The main structure of the bars.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, melted): Used in the frosting for a creamy texture.
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (170 grams): Essential for making a sweet, fluffy frosting.
• 2 tablespoons milk (28 grams): Helps achieve the desired consistency for the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): Added to the frosting for flavor.
• Sprinkles (optional, for topping): A fun and colorful finishing touch.

How to Cook Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is a joyful experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. Each part of the process is simple yet satisfying. Follow these directions, and soon you’ll have a pan of warm, frosted treats to enjoy with friends and family.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown edge while keeping the center soft. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this will help your bars lift out easily later.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and the two sugars using an electric hand mixer. You’ll want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for aerating the batter and ensuring a delightful texture.
3. Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the two large eggs. Beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should appear smooth and glossy—this is a good sign that you’re on the right track!
4. Next, carefully add in the baking soda and kosher salt to the mixture. This will help the bars rise and give them that lovely structure. It’s crucial to mix these in evenly; otherwise, you may end up with pockets of saltiness.
5. Gradually add the 2½ cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Do this slowly, beating lightly until incorporated. You don’t want to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to denser bars.
6. Once combined, pour the dough into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It should be thick and slightly sticky, so take your time to ensure an even layer.
7. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden brown while the center remains soft. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential before adding your frosting!
9. To prepare the frosting, beat together ¼ cup of unsalted butter and 1½ cups of powdered sugar in a bowl. The mixture should become creamy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
10. Once the bars are completely cooled, gently lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the frosting generously over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. Finally, cut the bars into 24 squares and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! Here are some great ideas to customize your bars for your taste:

• Flavor Variations: You can swap out the vanilla extract for other flavors like lemon or coconut for a unique twist.
• Colorful Frosting: Use food coloring to tint your frosting for festive occasions, matching the colors to party themes.
• Nutty Additions: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
• Fruit Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
• Different Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for various holidays or celebrations to dress them up!
• Frosting Swaps: Try cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache instead of the standard frosting for a different flavor profile.

Serving Options for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to make the most of these delicious treats:

• Community Gatherings: Perfect for bake sales and potlucks. They’re easy to transport and serve!
• Birthday Celebrations: These bars can be a hit at birthday parties, especially with fun frosting and sprinkles.
• Seasonal Events: Customize them for holidays with themed decorations—think red and green sprinkles for Christmas!
• Family Movie Night: Pair these with popcorn for a fun family night treat that’s sure to be a hit.
• Lunch Box Treats: Cut them into smaller squares for a delightful addition to school lunches.
• Coffee Break: Enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that bring joy to any occasion with their soft, chewy texture and sweet frosting. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing, making them a crowd favorite. I encourage you to try making these bars for your next gathering or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

The ultimate treat for sweet lovers, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious frosting that makes every bite a delight. Perfect for parties or just a sweet craving, these easy bars are a must-make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• 9×13 baking pan
• Hand Mixer

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter 226 grams, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar 150 grams
• ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract 1 gram
• 2 large eggs 100 grams, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 3 grams
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour 300 grams
• ¼ cup unsalted butter 57 grams, melted (½ stick)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar 170 grams
• 2 tablespoons milk 28 grams
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
• 1 sprinkles optional, for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown edge while keeping the center soft. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this will help your bars lift out easily later.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and the two sugars using an electric hand mixer. You'll want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for aerating the batter and ensuring a delightful texture.
• Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the two large eggs. Beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should appear smooth and glossy—this is a good sign that you’re on the right track!
• Next, carefully add in the baking soda and kosher salt to the mixture. This will help the bars rise and give them that lovely structure. It’s crucial to mix these in evenly; otherwise, you may end up with pockets of saltiness.
• Gradually add the 2½ cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Do this slowly, beating lightly until incorporated. You don’t want to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to denser bars.
• Once combined, pour the dough into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It should be thick and slightly sticky, so take your time to ensure an even layer.
• Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be golden brown while the center remains soft. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential before adding your frosting!
• To prepare the frosting, beat together ¼ cup of unsalted butter and 1½ cups of powdered sugar in a bowl. The mixture should become creamy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
• Once the bars are completely cooled, gently lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the frosting generously over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. Finally, cut the bars into 24 squares and enjoy!

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.

Measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, dry cookie bars.

Keyword Baking with Kids, Chewy Cookie Bars, easy dessert recipes, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars