Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, buttery treat that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible, these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are guaranteed to brighten any day. Imagine the nostalgic taste of classic bakery sugar cookies, but in ultra-soft, thick bar form—topped with a cloud of creamy frosting and vibrant sprinkles for good measure. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe combines simple pantry staples with a burst of fun and color. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these bars come together and how impossible it is to have just one!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These bars come together with basic ingredients that each play a delicious role—you’ll love how every component adds to the final taste and classic texture of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure, resulting in the tender-yet-sturdy bar texture you crave.
• Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a perfectly soft, not-too-dense crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all those nostalgic cookie flavors.
• Unsalted butter (for dough): Creates that classic rich, buttery taste while making the bars melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookie bars bake up with a lovely, light color.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and gives the final bars a delicate chewiness.
• Sour cream: Adds exceptional moistness while giving just a hint of tang for depth—Greek yogurt works in a pinch!
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough and frosting with that classic bakery aroma—don’t skip it.
• Almond extract (optional): Just a splash transforms the flavor into something extra-special, like your favorite bakery treat.
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): Whips into a luscious, creamy base for that thick, dreamy layer on top.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a fluffy finish.
• Heavy cream or milk: Adds smoothness for the perfect spreading consistency.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness of the frosting and brings all the flavors together.
• Food coloring (optional): A few drops turn your frosting into a festive masterpiece—perfect for customizing to any occasion.
• Sprinkles (optional): For a burst of color and playful crunch, don’t forget the festive finishing touch!

How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This not only keeps the bars from sticking, but also makes it a breeze to lift them out and slice later. A neat parchment overhang adds a little “baker’s hack” touch—just grab and lift for picture-perfect bars!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until beautifully blended. This quick step ensures even leavening and flavor in every bite, so you don’t get any salty or powdery pockets—just smooth, consistent cookie bliss.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This little extra effort infuses air for that perfect soft-baked texture in your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg, dollop in the sour cream, and pour in the vanilla and (if you like) almond extract. Give it all a good mix. The egg keeps everything together, while the sour cream ensures moist, dreamy bars every time—don’t worry if it looks a little creamy; that’s what you want!

Step 5: Combine and Press

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until combined—don’t over-mix. The dough will be soft and a little sticky, which is exactly right. Press it evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to reach every corner so each bar is identical and bakery-worthy.

Step 6: Bake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a watch—the key is to keep them soft without overbaking. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting—patience is your friend!

Step 7: Make and Spread the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, then add powdered sugar, cream (or milk), vanilla, and that little pinch of salt. Whip it up until it’s fluffy (add food coloring here if you want to match a party or holiday theme). Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars and sprinkle on all the decorations your heart desires!

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Lift the bars out with the parchment and slice into neat squares. Bask in the glory of your creation (and maybe snap a photo or two) before diving in. These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are officially ready to delight a crowd—or your very lucky family.

How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Elevate your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with a flurry of colorful sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even edible glitter for celebration-worthy sparkle. If you’d like, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or nestle each bar into a cupcake wrapper for a truly polished touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate childhood flashback, or serve alongside fresh fruit like berries for a refreshing counterpoint. They also play wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or a creamy vanilla milkshake when you’re in the mood to truly indulge.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holidays, cut the bars with cookie cutters into festive shapes or layer them in decorative boxes as edible gifts. Arrange them on a dessert platter with other bite-sized treats for a show-stopping sweets table—these bars love to be the center of attention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars hold up beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, refrigerate them for a firmer frosting and that just-baked texture whenever you crave a sweet pick-me-up.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you want instant cookie bar happiness!

Reheating

These bars are delicious straight from the fridge, but if you prefer a softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the frosting may melt—let time and patience work their magic!

FAQs

Can I use a different sized pan?

You can! For thicker bars, use a smaller pan (such as 9×9 inches) and slightly increase bake time, keeping an eye on the color and testing with a toothpick. A larger pan creates thinner bars and will bake quicker, so start checking for doneness early.

Is almond extract necessary?

Not at all—while almond extract gives Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that irresistible bakery flavor, you can omit it for a pure vanilla version. Or, swap in your favorite extract (like lemon or orange) for a custom twist.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour—the bars may be slightly more delicate, but the flavor and texture still shine. Always check that all your other ingredients are gluten free too.

How do I get perfectly clean cuts?

For those picture-perfect bars, chill them first to firm up the frosting, then use a sharp, clean knife, wiping between slices. Lining your pan with parchment also helps you lift the whole slab out, making slicing even easier.

Can I prepare the dough or frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and chilled, then spread and baked when ready. The frosting also keeps well in the fridge—just let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading over your cooled bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little extra sweetness to your table, I can’t recommend these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars enough. They’re simple, joyful, and shareable—perfect for every cookie craving or special moment. Bake a batch, share with friends or family, and watch the smiles (and requests for seconds) roll in!

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