Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you love soft, chewy sugar cookies but want to skip the hassle of rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies, then Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are your new best friend. These cookie bars combine the classic taste of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar recipe. They are topped with a creamy, sweet frosting and can be decorated with festive sprinkles for any occasion. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a weekend treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite! Follow this detailed recipe to learn how to make delicious frosted sugar cookie bars right in your kitchen.

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What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery sugar cookies baked in a pan, then frosted with a layer of sweet, creamy frosting. They have the same taste and texture as traditional sugar cookies but are much easier to make since you don’t need to chill, roll, or cut out individual cookies. Once baked, the bars are topped with a generous amount of frosting, usually buttercream, and decorated with colorful sprinkles. These cookie bars are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you're craving something sweet and fun.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make both the sugar cookie bars and the frosting. Make sure you have everything on hand before starting!

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional, for a colorful frosting)
• Sprinkles (for decorating)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider for this recipe. These will allow you to customize the cookie bars based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Butter Alternatives: If you need a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based butter in both the cookie bars and the frosting. The bars will still have a delicious buttery flavor without the dairy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Flavor Variations: You can switch up the flavoring in the cookie dough by using different extracts. Try using lemon, orange, or even peppermint extract in place of the almond extract for a fun twist.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy alternative to buttercream frosting, replace half of the butter in the frosting recipe with cream cheese. This will give the frosting a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Holiday-Themed Bars: Change the color of the frosting and the sprinkles to match the holiday or occasion. Use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process of making these delightful frosted sugar cookie bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for creating the soft texture of the cookie bars.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 6: Press the Dough into the Pan

Once the dough is ready, transfer it to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure the dough is level to ensure even baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. You don’t want to overbake these bars, as they should remain soft and slightly chewy.

Step 8: Cool the Cookie Bars

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. This can take about 30–40 minutes. It’s important to let the bars cool fully before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the main steps to make these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
6. Press into Pan and Bake: Evenly spread the dough into the baking pan and bake for 15–18 minutes.
7. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool before frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your frosted sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookie bars. The bars should be just set in the center when you take them out.
• Frosting Too Soon: Make sure the bars are completely cool before applying the frosting. If they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their colorful, fun presentation. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Chilled or Room Temperature: These cookie bars can be served either chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge before serving.
• Cut Into Even Squares: For a professional look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.
• With Milk or Coffee: These bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, making them the ideal treat for any time of day.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Colorful Frosting: Use food coloring to tint the frosting in a variety of colors. You can create a rainbow of cookie bars or match the colors to a specific holiday or event.
• Sprinkles Galore: Don’t hold back on the sprinkles! Choose themed sprinkles for holidays or celebrations, or go with classic rainbow sprinkles for a fun, festive look.
• Layered Frosting: For a more decorative touch, layer two different frosting colors on top of each other, or swirl them together to create a marble effect.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can make these bars a day ahead of time. Simply bake the bars and let them cool completely, then frost and decorate the next day.
• Storage: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Frosted sugar cookie bars can be frozen! Once frosted, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars without frosting?
A: Yes, if you prefer less sweetness, you can skip the frosting and enjoy the cookie bars plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, whipped frosting, or even a chocolate ganache to top these cookie bars.

Q: Why did my cookie bars turn out hard?
A: If your bars are hard, it’s likely due

to overmixing the dough or overbaking them. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined and keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While you can substitute margarine for butter, it may slightly affect the flavor and texture of the bars. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines all the best parts of classic sugar cookies with the ease of a bar dessert. With their soft, chewy texture and a generous layer of sweet, creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles for a festive touch or keep them simple with a basic frosting, this recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Give them a try and watch them disappear in no time!

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