Name: Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt; 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar (for frosting); 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) milk (for frosting); Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

Sweet and nostalgic frosted sugar cookie bars bring memories of childhood bakery treats right into your kitchen.

Soft, pillowy squares promise pure comfort with every delectable bite.

Delicate layers of buttery dough melt smoothly across your palate.

Homemade goodness shines through these delightfully simple dessert squares.

Colorful frosting adds whimsical charm to these irresistible treats.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tender crumb.

Whip up this quick and easy recipe to delight everyone around the table.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer for a similar texture and binding effect.

How do I prevent my bars from becoming too dry?

Be careful not to overbake. Remove the bars from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I freeze these sugar cookie bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Craft an Impressive Dessert: Elevate your baking skills with this stunning pumpkin cheesecake that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Uses simple pantry staples and common spices, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect Fall Gathering Treat: Captures classic autumn flavors with pumpkin and warm spices, ideal for holiday parties and family gatherings.
No-Stress Baking Method: Follows straightforward steps with helpful techniques like gradual cooling to prevent cracks, ensuring a beautiful cheesecake every single time.

For the Base:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, golden-brown surface.
Butter: Delivers rich flavor and helps achieve a soft, moist cookie bar.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar's rich consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

For the Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the recipe.

For the Frosting and Decoration:

Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, creamy frosting with a sweet finish.
Milk, Food Coloring, Sprinkles: Provide moisture to the frosting, add color, and create a festive decorative touch.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F, ensuring it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar together until they become creamy and light. Add room temperature eggs and vanilla extract, blending everything until completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.

Step 4: Spread Dough and Bake

Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes. Look for light golden edges and a slightly firm center.

Remove and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat butter until fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Blend until the frosting becomes silky and spreadable.

Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring for festive flair.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once the cookie bars are totally cool, spread the frosting evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle colorful decorative sprinkles on top. Slice into squares and enjoy your delightful treats!

Swap unsalted butter for salted butter if you prefer a slightly saltier base, adjusting the added salt accordingly.
Experiment with different extract flavors like almond or lemon to create unique variations of these classic sugar cookie bars.
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture, especially butter and eggs.
Use an offset spatula to spread frosting evenly and create a smooth, professional-looking surface for decorating.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Holiday Spice Edition: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a warm, festive flavor perfect for Christmas or winter gatherings.
Lemon Burst Bars: Mix lemon zest into the dough and replace vanilla in frosting with fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy version.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Fold chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a classic chocolate chip cookie bar experience.
Almond Crunch Bars: Sprinkle chopped almonds on top of the frosting and mix almond extract into the dough for a nutty, crunchy variation.

Festive Celebration Squares: Perfect for birthday parties with colorful sprinkles and bright frosting. Kids and adults will love these sweet treats that bring joy to any gathering.
Holiday Theme Bars: Customize frosting colors for seasonal events like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine's Day. Match sprinkles and frosting to create a festive dessert that matches the celebration's mood.
Dessert Buffet Star: Slice into bite-sized pieces for potlucks, school events, or family gatherings. These bars are easy to transport and will disappear quickly from the dessert table.
Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside hot tea or coffee for a midday sweet break. Cut into elegant smaller rectangles for a sophisticated dessert that pairs perfectly with your favorite warm beverage.

Store frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Keep unfrosted bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture and softness.
If serving within 24 hours, leave frosted bars on the counter in a covered container. Ensure the space is cool and away from direct sunlight to prevent frosting from melting.

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education

Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Irresistibly Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe