Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
When you’re in the mood for a soft, chewy treat that tastes just like your childhood favorites but arrives in bar form, look no further than these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars deliver all the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of classic sugar cookies, but skip the fuss of rolling and cutting. Topped with creamy, dreamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, they’re a cheerful, shareable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion — birthdays, holidays, or just because!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is that every ingredient is a pantry or fridge staple, but together they create pure magic. Each one has its place, lending that craveable texture, classic vanilla flavor, or show-stopping color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each addition:
- Unsalted butter (softened): This is the foundation for tenderness and rich flavor in both the cookies and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Gives structure and the perfect dose of sweetness to the cookie base.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and brings a little lift and chew.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars and frosting with irresistible warmth and bakery-fresh aroma.
- Almond extract (optional): For a subtle, nutty twist that elevates the classic sugar cookie taste.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that keeps the bars soft but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- Baking powder: Ensures just a hint of rise without making the base cakey.
- Salt: Brightens the sweetness and balances every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting for that cloud-like, melt-on-your-tongue finish.
- Milk: Adds silkiness to the frosting and makes spreading easy.
- Food coloring (optional): For a pop of fun — pick colors to match any celebration!
- Sprinkles for topping: Because nothing says “party” like a cheerful cascade of sprinkles.
How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which is just hot enough to ensure soft, baked-through bars with golden edges. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat it with a little butter or spray — this step makes lifting and slicing a breeze when it’s time to serve. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step! You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture, which means lots of tiny air pockets have formed and will help create that soft, tender bite we all crave in Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Now, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re feeling fancy. This is where the bars start smelling absolutely delicious, and you might find yourself sneaking a taste of the dough — and I don’t blame you one bit!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed so there are no surprises in your final bars. Pour this dry mixture into your wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined. The dough should look thick and smooth.
Step 5: Press, Bake, and Cool
Plop the cookie dough into your prepared pan and press it out evenly — corners and all. You can use a spatula or your (clean!) hands for an even layer. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Patience is no one’s favorite ingredient, but it pays off here to avoid melted frosting disasters!
Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat the softened butter in a clean bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat again until the frosting is fluffy and glorious. Want some flair? Add a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch. Just a little makes a huge difference!
Step 7: Frost, Decorate, and Slice
Once the cookie base is cool, spread the frosting all over — go for double thickness if you’re a frosting lover! Don’t forget the sprinkles on top. Finally, lift the giant cookie out (thanks, parchment) and cut into 24 delicious, generous bars. Each square is like a celebration you can hold in your hand.
How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Top your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with a rainbow flood of sprinkles for a classic look, or try sanding sugar, colored edible pearls, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra pizzazz. If you’re feeling whimsical, edible glitter or tiny confetti shapes make them sparkle for any festive table.
Side Dishes
Because these bars are delightfully sweet, they pair well with a tall glass of cold milk or a mug of coffee. If you’re serving a dessert spread, a bowl of fresh berries or citrus segments adds a refreshing contrast, or try a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping dessert tray, arrange your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in a checkerboard pattern or layer them with parchment paper in a gift box. For parties, you can skewer them on sticks for cookie pops, or use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes from the frosted slab. The possibilities to suit your theme or celebration are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh when sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm or you like an extra-firm texture, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to a week — just let them come to room temperature before serving for the softest bite.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! Once cut and decorated, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then stack them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months — perfect for make-ahead party prep or sweet emergency cravings.
Reheating
While you don’t need to “reheat” these bars, letting them sit out for about 30 minutes if they’ve been in the fridge or freezer brings back that just-baked, tender texture. If you must, a 5-second zap in the microwave gives a lovely, just-melted edge to the frosting — pure comfort in every bite!
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a larger sheet pan and keep an eye on the baking time — it might need a few more minutes, depending on your oven and pan size.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries at all; simply leave it out or replace it with an extra splash of vanilla. The bars will still have that familiar sugar cookie flavor everyone loves.
How do I make the frosting extra thick?
Double the frosting ingredients for a generous pillow of sweetness that stands tall on your cookie bars. More frosting equals more fun, especially for celebrations!
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly well for creaming the dough and whipping up the frosting. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — that’s the secret to the best texture.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love pressing out the dough, spreading the frosting, and showering the bars with sprinkles. It’s a fun, hands-on baking project the whole family can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you love soft cookies, buttery frosting, and a treat that brings smiles to both kids and grown-ups, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars will become your new go-to recipe. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to vanish fast at any gathering — so go on, treat yourself and everyone you love to a pan soon!
Print
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy cookie bars topped with a creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. Simple to make and easy to customize, they are ideal for parties, bake sales, or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- food coloring (optional)
- sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing.
- Make the Cookie Base: Cream butter and sugar, add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Combine dry ingredients and mix into wet. Press into pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and food coloring if desired. Spread over cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- You can double the frosting for an extra-thick layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
