If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, you’re going to adore this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine all the buttery, sugary goodness of your favorite sugar cookie baked into a luscious bar, then topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting sprinkled with colorful confetti that instantly brightens your day. These bars are soft in the center with lightly golden edges, making them perfect for sharing, and the frosting adds that irresistible sweet finish. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or any time you crave a little homemade sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a key role in creating that soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe you’ll fall in love with. From the creamy butter to the punch of vanilla and almond extracts, the balance is what makes these bars stand out.
- 2½ cups flour (312 g): The foundational base that gives structure to the cookie bars.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise just the right amount without getting too fluffy.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Adds a touch of lift and tenderness.
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 ⅓ cups sugar (267 g): Sweetens and helps create that beautiful, tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Infuses the dough with extra creaminess and tangy depth.
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Brings warm, aromatic sweetness.
- ½ tsp almond extract: Provides that subtle nutty undertone that takes the flavor next level.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the smooth, luscious base of the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that perfect spreadable texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Enhances the frosting with classic vanilla warmth.
- ¼ tsp almond extract: Complements the frosting with a gentle nutty note.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting beautifully.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired): Adds creaminess and fluff to make the frosting spread effortlessly.
- Sprinkles for topping: Adds festive color and a touch of crunch.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the dough, which is the secret to consistent texture and flavor every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is key to incorporating air, which helps create a tender crumb in the cookie bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Cream Cheese, and Flavors
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add in your softened cream cheese along with the vanilla bean paste and almond extract. This combination contributes both moisture and a depth of flavor, turning these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, beating at low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. If you want a fun pop of color, fold in sprinkles right at this stage but be careful not to overmix to keep your cookie bars tender and soft.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and press the dough evenly into the pan. The dough will be a bit sticky, so lightly spraying your hands with oil or using parchment on top to press it down can help. Bake for 17 to 22 minutes. The edges should turn a golden hue, while the center might still look a bit underdone, which is perfect to achieve a soft and chewy texture once cooled.
Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Finish by mixing in the heavy cream to create a fluffy, luscious frosting that spreads effortlessly.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, generously frost them and sprinkle with extra sprinkles for a joyful touch. Let the frosting set before slicing into bars to keep those beautiful edges intact.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of colorful toppings or even a few edible glitter pieces instantly elevates the presentation and adds a playful texture. Fresh berries can also complement the sweet, buttery flavors with a refreshing tang.
Side Dishes
These bars are perfect on their own but shine alongside a cold glass of milk, hot tea, or a rich coffee. For an indulgent dessert plate, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small bite-sized squares for a party platter or put them on sticks to make sugar cookie bar pops. Layered with fresh fruit and whipped cream in trifle glasses, these bars become a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the bars soft and the frosting fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Frost after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor. For frosted bars, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the frosting may change.
Reheating
If you like your bars slightly warm, pop them into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the bars gently without melting the frosting completely, giving you a soft, gooey bite.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour will change the texture and density of the bars, making them more crumbly and moist. For best results, stick to all-purpose flour as the recipe intends, or try a blend if you want to experiment.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
Vanilla extract works perfectly as a substitute. The paste has tiny vanilla seeds that add extra flavor and visual appeal, but the extract will still give you that classic vanilla warmth in your bars and frosting.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, a vegan cream cheese, and egg replacers, you could try a vegan version, but the texture and flavor might vary. This recipe shines with its original ingredients for that true rich texture.
Why is the center slightly underbaked when I take the bars out of the oven?
That’s actually how you want it! The bars continue to set as they cool, staying soft and chewy. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so trust the slight softness in the middle for perfect results.
Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can add fun texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the sprinkles at the end and enjoy your personalized twist on the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a heartfelt classic reimagined in the best possible way—soft, buttery, and topped with luscious frosting that makes every bite special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, these bars deliver comfort and joy with every slice. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your favorite sweet treats to share.
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy frosted sugar cookie bars featuring a rich cream cheese-infused dough topped with a creamy vanilla almond buttercream and colorful sprinkles. These bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with an easy-to-spread frosting, perfect for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
Cookie Dough
- 1 ⅓ 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
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: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Blend: Add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. If you want sprinkles inside the bars, fold them in with the last bit of dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Pan and Press Dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil your hands or use parchment on top to help press the sticky cookie dough evenly into the pan.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17-22 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. The center might still seem slightly undercooked; it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting, ensuring the texture sets perfectly.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt, mixing well. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar while beating, then add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle extra decorative sprinkles on top and let the buttercream set before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and butter help create a smoother dough and better texture.
- Pressing the dough with lightly oiled hands or using parchment paper prevents sticking.
- Don’t overbake; the center should remain slightly soft for chewy bars.
- Add sprinkles inside the dough or just on top for extra fun and color.
- Allow frosting to set well before cutting to avoid messy edges.
