There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as a batch of homemade sugar cookies, but sometimes we want something quicker and just as delicious. That’s where this Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe comes in, offering the perfect balance of soft, buttery cookie base topped with a smooth, luscious layer of buttercream frosting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are simple to make, bursting with classic flavors, and sure to become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor, from the buttery richness to the sweet, creamy frosting that finishes it all beautifully.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that soft, tender texture in the cookie bars.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add moisture, helping the bars stay soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a classic sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bars without making them tough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough to keep them light and fluffy.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the buttercream frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds that quintessential flavor to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the frosting’s sweetness perfectly.
- 1-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to just the right spreadable texture.
How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350˚F while lining a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to lightly spray it with non-stick spray so your cookie bars lift out easily once baked. This prep step ensures no sticking and an easy cleanup, setting you up for success right from the get-go.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that help give your cookie bars a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Patience here really pays off for that perfect crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly. Follow up by mixing in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with that classic, comforting sugar cookie flavor we all adore.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In
Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients and fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want these bars tender, not tough or dense. Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, setting the stage for even baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350˚F for about 20 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn a golden hue—you don’t want them too brown. When done, remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial because it makes frosting easier and prevents it from melting into the bars.
Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While your bars are cooling, whip the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar—it may look crumbly at first, but keep mixing! Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and start with one tablespoon of milk. If the frosting is still stiff, drizzle in more milk until it’s spreadable but not runny. This luscious frosting is what takes these bars over the top.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Then slice into bars of your preferred size. Voilà! You have gorgeous, tasty bars ready to enjoy or share.
How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little flair can make your bars even more inviting. Try sprinkling a dash of colorful sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even finely chopped nuts on top of the frosting for extra texture and visual appeal. It adds a festive touch without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
While these bars are wonderfully satisfying on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can make for an even more indulgent treat. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or milk is also a perfect complement, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, cut your bars into small bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a decorative plate or a tiered dessert stand. You can also wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Adding themed sprinkles or colored frosting makes them delightful for holidays and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted sugar cookie bars covered at room temperature, ideally in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for busy days or quick after-school snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, you can freeze them without frosting for up to two months. Simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting.
Reheating
These bars are best served at room temperature. If you’d like to enjoy them slightly warmed, pop an unfrosted bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. For frosted bars, it’s better to eat them as is to preserve the frosting’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential here for the rich flavor and texture, so margarine or oil may alter the flavor and the consistency. If necessary, use a high-quality margarine, but expect a slight difference in taste.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the pan thoroughly with butter or oil and dust it with flour. This will help prevent sticking, but parchment paper is preferred for an easier release and cleaner edges.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Swap out vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a fresh twist. Just use about half a teaspoon of the alternative extract since they tend to be more potent.
How do I make the frosting colorful?
Add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting during mixing and stir until evenly combined. This is perfect for holiday themes or parties.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be doubled easily. Use two 9 x 13 inch pans and keep an eye on the baking time, which might need an extra few minutes. Check for the golden edges as your guide.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a game changer when you’re craving something sweet, satisfying, and effortlessly simple to make. I can’t wait for you to try it because once you do, these soft, buttery bars with creamy frosting will quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Happy baking, and even happier eating!
Print
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars offer a classic, buttery sugar cookie base topped with a smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfectly soft and chewy with a simple yet delicious homemade frosting, they’re ideal for any occasion from casual snacking to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars
- ¾ cup (167 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (227 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray to ensure easy release of the cookie bars.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully blended into the wet ingredients.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Mix dry and wet components: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula.
- Bake: Bake at 350˚F for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center remains soft and not browned.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature before frosting.
- Make frosting: While bars are cooling, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar to the creamed butter and mix. The frosting will look crumbly at this stage.
- Add remaining frosting ingredients: Mix in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the frosting is too thick or dry, add an additional tablespoon or two of milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost bars: Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Slice and serve: Cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature.
Notes
- Swap vanilla extract for ½ teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to create a new flavor variation.
- Add food coloring to the frosting and use themed sprinkles to match holidays or special occasions.
- Trim the edges of the bars for neat squares; leftover scraps can be enjoyed as small sugar cookie bites.
- Store bars covered at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a firmer frosting, chill briefly before spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
