There is something irresistibly delightful about a sweet, tender bar cookie topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, and that is exactly what the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe brings to your kitchen. This treat combines the soft, buttery texture of a sugar cookie baked into a convenient pan with a luscious layer of smooth, dreamy frosting that melts on your tongue. Whether you are hosting a crowd or just craving a piece of nostalgia, these bars deliver classic flavors with a fun, festive flair that feels like a warm hug from your oven. Let me walk you through how to make this stellar dessert that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, staple ingredients come together in harmony to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color for your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Each one plays an important role — from the tender crumb of the cookie base to the rich creaminess of the frosting and the festive sparkle of the sprinkles.
- Flour (2½ cups): The foundation that gives structure to the cookie bars.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps lighten the cookie texture just enough.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works with baking powder to add tenderness.
- Salt (¼ – ½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Sugar (1â…“ cups): Sweetens the bars and contributes to their chewy edges.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to the cookie base.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients and bring moistness and softness.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Makes the bars tender and adds subtle tanginess.
- Vanilla bean paste (1½ tsp): Infuses a sweet, aromatic flavor throughout the cookies.
- Almond extract (½ tsp): Adds a gentle nutty note that elevates the overall taste.
- Butter for frosting (½ cup, softened): Creates the creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to velvety perfection.
- Vanilla bean paste for frosting (1 tsp): Provides a rich, fragrant aroma to the frosting.
- Almond extract for frosting (¼ tsp): Offers a subtle depth of flavor matching the cookie base.
- Sea salt pinch: Balances the sweetness in the frosting beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1-2 Tbsp): Makes the frosting dreamy and spreadable.
- Sprinkles: For a joyful, colorful finish that brings the bars to life.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This dry mix is crucial because it ensures your cookie bars get that beautifully balanced rise and tender crumb every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is a game changer for texture — the air incorporated here will give your cookie bars that irresistible softness and chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Cream Cheese, and Flavorings
Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and cream cheese until everything blends smoothly. The cream cheese here makes the bars ultra-soft and tender, while your vanilla and almond extracts add layers of delicious flavor that are subtle yet unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly fold in your dry ingredients while mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears — no overmixing! If you love a little surprise in your cookie bars, toss in sprinkles now for bursts of color baked right into the dough.
Step 5: Press Dough Into Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Use lightly oiled hands or a piece of parchment paper on top to evenly press your sticky dough into the pan. This even layer is the starting canvas for your perfect bars.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 17 to 22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center may seem slightly underdone, but that’s perfect — it will firm up while cooling and stay tender and moist. Let your cookie bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your delicious buttercream layer.
Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until it’s silky and creamy, then mix in vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fully combined, then add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is the crowning glory of your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe!
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Generously spread your frosting over the cooled cookie bars and shower with extra sprinkles for a festive finish. Let the frosting set before cutting so each bar holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars even more, consider adding fresh fruit like raspberries, shredded coconut, or edible glitter atop the frosting. Each of these touches adds texture and a festive vibe that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. During brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or simple whipped cream to balance their buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place on a colorful platter for party-ready finger food. Or, assemble a dessert tray with different frostings and sprinkles so everyone can customize their own slice — fun and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain the soft texture of the cookie and keep your frosting creamy and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookie bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting and serving to maintain that perfect soft bite.
Reheating
If you want to warm up a slice, gently microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to bring back the softness without melting the frosting too much. This little trick makes the bars taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works perfectly fine in this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe and will still provide that lovely vanilla flavor.
How do I avoid overmixing the cookie dough?
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stopping here keeps them tender and soft.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup, but be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
What if I want to skip the cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds moisture and softness, but if you prefer, you can try using all butter instead. Just know the texture will be slightly different—less tender but still delicious.
Can I store the frosted bars in the refrigerator?
Yes, the frosted bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week, especially if your kitchen is warm. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a winner for anyone looking to add a cheerful, homemade touch to their dessert table. It’s straightforward to make, fun to decorate, and delicious enough to please all ages. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch these bars vanish — you’re in for a treat that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite!
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are thick, soft, and chewy bars with a rich cream cheese and vanilla-infused cookie base topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla almond buttercream frosting. Perfectly sweet with a hint of almond and a luscious sprinkle topping, these bars make an ideal treat for gatherings or an indulgent everyday dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- 1â…“ cups sugar (267 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for mixing in)
Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened (113 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired)
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cookie bars evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and aerated.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while beating on low speed. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the bars. If you want sprinkles inside, fold them in with the last bit of dry ingredients gently.
- Prepare Pan and Shape Dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the sticky dough evenly into the pan; spraying your hands lightly with oil or using a parchment sheet on top helps with spreading the dough smoothly.
- Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 17-22 minutes until the edges start turning a light golden brown. The center may seem slightly underdone, but it will continue to set as it cools, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to ensure they firm up properly before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the vanilla, sea salt, and almond extract, mixing to combine. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating, then add heavy cream and beat until the buttercream frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost Bars and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle extra decorative sprinkles on top and allow the frosting to set before cutting into 24 servings.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients is essential for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once adding dry ingredients to keep bars tender.
- Pressing dough evenly helps bake the bars uniformly.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the buttercream.
- You can adjust the amount of heavy cream in frosting for preferred consistency.
- Sprinkles are optional and can be customized by color or omitted for a simpler bar.
