Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're craving the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies but don’t want the hassle of rolling and cutting dough, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! These delicious bars offer all the flavors of traditional sugar cookies with less effort. They’re topped with a rich, creamy frosting and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. Read on for the complete recipe, tips, and variations to make these irresistible cookie bars!

What are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a quick and easy version of classic sugar cookies. Instead of rolling out individual cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking dish and baked into soft, chewy bars. After baking, they are generously topped with a layer of fluffy frosting and decorated with sprinkles. These bars are perfect for when you need to feed a crowd or want a simple, yet impressive dessert. The buttery cookie base combined with the sweet frosting makes them a deliciously nostalgic treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
2. Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
3. Salt – ½ teaspoon
4. Unsalted butter (softened) – 1 cup (2 sticks)
5. Granulated sugar – 1 cup
6. Eggs – 2 large
7. Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
8. Almond extract (optional, for extra flavor) – ½ teaspoon

For the Frosting:

1. Unsalted butter (softened) – ½ cup (1 stick)
2. Powdered sugar – 3 cups
3. Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
4. Whole milk – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust as needed for consistency)
5. Food coloring (optional, for fun colored frosting)
6. Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)

Substitutions and Variations

If you'd like to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations to try:

1. Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars:
   – Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
2. Dairy-Free Option:
   – Use dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter in both the cookie bars and the frosting. Swap whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
3. Flavored Frosting:
   – For a twist, add lemon or orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy burst. You can also substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint or coconut extract.
4. Holiday-Themed Bars:
   – Make these cookie bars festive by using seasonal sprinkles or food coloring in the frosting (like red and green for Christmas, or pastel colors for Easter).
5. Thicker Bars:
   – If you prefer thicker cookie bars, use a smaller 9x9-inch pan instead of a 9x13-inch pan. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the bars cook through.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.

Step 6: Spread the Dough into the Pan

Press the sugar cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it into an even layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.

Step 7: Bake the Sugar Cookie Bars

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once the bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan for easy frosting.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. If using food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 10: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula. Decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 11: Cut and Serve

Let the frosted bars sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix the cookie dough by creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, then mixing in the dry ingredients.
3. Press the dough into the pan and bake until golden.
4. Make the frosting while the cookie bars cool.
5. Frost and decorate the cooled bars with sprinkles.
6. Cut into squares and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Overbaking the Cookie Bars: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking will make the cookie bars dry and hard. They should be soft and slightly golden around the edges.
2. Not Letting the Bars Cool: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm bars can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
3. Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
4. Using Cold Butter for the Frosting: Make sure the butter is fully softened for the frosting. Cold butter will result in a lumpy frosting that’s difficult to spread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious dessert that can be dressed up for any occasion. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to make them even more special:

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. For Parties: Arrange the bars on a decorative tray or tiered cake stand for an eye-catching presentation at parties, baby showers, or holiday gatherings.
2. With Ice Cream: Serve a bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
3. For Holidays: Customize the frosting colors and sprinkles to match the theme of holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Add Festive Sprinkles: Change the color of the frosting and add matching sprinkles to suit any holiday or event, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
2. Cut into Fun Shapes: Instead of traditional squares, use a cookie cutter to cut the bars into fun shapes like hearts, stars, or circles.
3. Decorate with Piping: Use a piping bag to add extra decorative details on top of the frosted bars, such as swirls or dots of frosting.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time:

1. Make Ahead: You can make the cookie bars a day ahead and store them (unfrosted) in an airtight container. Frost and decorate them the next day for the freshest result.
2. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, bring refrigerated bars to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing: The unfrosted cookie bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Yes, you can bake the bars up to 1 day ahead and frost them the next day. Store the bars (unfrosted) in an airtight container at room temperature overnight.

Q: Can I freeze Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
A: You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Q: Why is my frosting too thick?
A: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can become runny.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can use margarine in place of butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, fun, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet frosting, these bars are a hit at any gathering or event. Customize them with different colors and sprinkles for holidays or special occasions, or simply enjoy them as a tasty treat any day of the week. Follow the steps and tips in this recipe to bake a batch of these delightful cookie bars that everyone will love!

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