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!
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.