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
