Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for Any Celebration
Imagine a dessert that brings smiles to every face, from the youngest child to the oldest guest. These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are just that! Featuring a perfectly buttery, soft sugar cookie base topped with a generous, thick layer of rich, fluffy frosting, they are an absolute crowd-pleaser. With just a touch of food coloring and a sprinkle of festive decorations, you can effortlessly transform these homemade cookie bars to suit any occasion, making them a versatile staple in your baking repertoire.
Loved by kids and adults alike, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The cookie base is wonderfully soft and chewy, with a subtle vanilla essence that isn’t overly sweet, creating the perfect canvas for the creamy frosting. What truly sets these bars apart is the fluffy frosting, often enhanced with a hint of almond extract alongside vanilla, adding a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. This large batch recipe is incredibly customizable for any holiday or gathering, making it your go-to solution for parties, bake sales, or simply feeding a crowd.
My love affair with these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars began over a decade ago, back in 2012, and since then, they’ve been a constant in my kitchen. I remember making them so frequently, sometimes even three times in a single week – it’s safe to say I was obsessed! While initially made with pure vanilla extract, I quickly discovered that adding a touch of almond extract elevates the frosting to a whole new level, a practice I’ve maintained ever since.
If you’re a devoted fan of classic chewy sugar cookies, these bar cookies are guaranteed to become your new obsession. They offer all the beloved characteristics of a traditional sugar cookie but in an incredibly simple, easy-to-make bar form. Forget the endless rolling and cutting; these bars bake up beautifully in a single pan, saving you time and effort without compromising on that cherished sugar cookie taste.
Why Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Have Dessert
There’s truly nothing quite like classic sugar cookie bars adorned with frosting. When a dessert proudly bears “sugar” in its name, you inherently know it promises pure deliciousness! These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are an exceptional choice for any party or holiday gathering, offering both convenience and irresistible flavor. They’re incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than last-minute baking stress. Why settle for bland, store-bought treats when you can create these delightful, simple sugar cookie bars right in your own kitchen? The homemade taste and festive appeal are unmatched.
Endless Customization for Festive Cookie Bars
The inherent beauty of traditional sugar cookies lies in their adaptability, making them perfect for any season or celebration. This particular bar form recipe, with its foundation of vanilla and almond extract, offers a fantastic starting point. However, you can easily swap out or add different flavor extracts to match the occasion. Imagine pumpkin extract for cozy Fall gatherings, refreshing peppermint for Christmas, or zesty lemon for a bright summer treat – the possibilities are endless! Beyond flavor, simply changing the frosting color and adding a variety of fun sprinkles or edible decorations can completely transform these bars for Valentine’s Day, a patriotic 4th of July barbecue, adorable baby showers, or any theme you desire.
If you have a special fondness for delightful dessert bars, you’re absolutely going to adore these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. And while you’re at it, be sure to explore some other fantastic bar recipes that are equally irresistible: Iced Snickerdoodle Bars, the comforting PB&J Oatmeal Cookie Bars, the effortlessly delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, and these wonderfully moist Frosted Zucchini Brownies!
The Convenience Factor: Why These Easy Dessert Bars Are a Must-Try
As someone who loves to host, I am always on the lookout for easy dessert recipes that can be prepared in advance, and these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars fit the bill perfectly. One of their biggest advantages is the ability to make the sugar cookie dough up to a week in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in your refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This make-ahead capability is a lifesaver when planning for busy events!
This is hands down one of my absolute favorite sugar cookie recipes, and I’ve successfully made these easy sugar cookie bars for countless occasions: Halloween parties, engagement celebrations, school bake sales, classroom parties, and even a large family reunion. Their incredible versatility ensures they’re a hit during any holiday season or special event, consistently delivering delicious results that everyone raves about.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
To achieve these perfectly delicious frosted treats, you’ll need a few key ingredients for both the cookie base and the luscious frosting. For a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
-
Butter: Unsalted butter is highly recommended. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the total salt content in your recipe, allowing for a more balanced flavor profile.
-
Sugar: Stick with classic white granulated sugar for that quintessential sugar cookie sweetness and tender crumb.
-
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness and moisture to the cookie dough, contributing to its chewy texture.
-
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is crucial for a deep, authentic vanilla flavor. A good quality extract makes a noticeable difference.
-
Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of this recipe, providing the necessary structure for the cookie bars.
-
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
-
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookie bars rise slightly, giving them a softer, more cake-like texture compared to flatter, crispier cookies.
For the Rich and Fluffy Frosting:
- Butter: Again, unsalted butter is preferred for consistency in flavor. Ensure it’s softened for optimal creaming.
-
Shortening: This is a key ingredient for achieving a super stable and thick frosting. Unlike butter, shortening is 100% fat and doesn’t melt as readily, which helps the frosting hold its shape beautifully, especially in warmer conditions. Using both butter and shortening gives you the best of both worlds: the delicious buttery flavor with enhanced stability.
-
Almond or Vanilla extract: Or, for the most exquisite flavor, a delightful combination of both! The almond extract provides a lovely, subtle nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla.
-
Powdered sugar:Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting texture.
-
Milk: Any choice of dairy milk or plant-based milk will work as a thinning agent for the frosting, allowing you to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Food coloring and sprinkles: These are entirely optional but highly encouraged! They add a vibrant, festive touch that makes these cookie bars truly pretty and perfect for any theme.
Simplified Steps: How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfect homemade treats:
STEP ONE: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Generously grease a 13×18 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. For easy removal and cleanup, line the greased pan with a piece of parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides.
STEP TWO: Combine Wet Ingredients for the Cookie Dough. In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Once combined, beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a smooth, well-aerated base for your cookies.
STEP THREE: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet mixture in your large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. For best results, use your hands or a rubber spatula to press the dough into an even layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
STEP FOUR: Prepare the Fluffy Frosting. While your cookie bars are baking or cooling, begin preparing the frosting. In a clean large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, shortening, your chosen extracts (vanilla and/or almond), and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with splashes of milk, mixing until the frosting becomes wonderfully light, smooth, and fluffy. If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue.
STEP FIVE: Frost and Decorate Your Cookie Bars. Once the sugar cookie bars have completely cooled (this is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting!), spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top. The best tool for a smooth, professional finish is an offset spatula. After frosting, unleash your creativity! You can add a generous layer of sprinkles, colorful candy bits, or even fresh fruit for a delightful garnish.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as excited about this FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BAR recipe as I am, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. It’s perfect for future baking inspiration and easy access when you’re ready to whip up another batch of these irresistible treats!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookie Bars
-
Why are my frosted sugar cookies so dry? If you notice your cookie dough is dry and crumbly before baking, you can try adding a teaspoon of milk or water, one at a time, until the mixture just binds together. The most common reason for dry cookies after baking is simply overbaking. Keep a close eye on them in the oven! If your baked bars turn out a bit dry, don’t despair – a generous application of that rich, fluffy frosting can often help to moisten them up and make them delicious again!
-
How long can frosted sugar cookies last at room temperature? For optimal freshness and flavor, store your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days. This keeps them soft and delicious. If you need to extend their shelf life, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
-
Do frosted sugar cookies need to be refrigerated? Generally, no, frosted sugar cookies do not immediately require refrigeration. They are perfectly fine sitting on your counter in an airtight container for about a week, allowing them to remain soft and accessible for easy snacking. However, if you’re not baking the dough right away, it’s crucial to refrigerate your sugar cookie dough to keep it fresh and safe. Always refrigerate after the initial week at room temperature for longer storage.
-
How do you keep the middle of the cookie bars from sinking and ensure they are fully cooked? To prevent your sugar cookie bars from sinking in the middle, the key is to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Look for signs of doneness: the edges of the bars should be lightly golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick or a small knife into the center, it should come out clean. An underbaked center is a common cause of sinking, so a little extra baking time (without overbaking) can make all the difference.
-
What’s the difference between butter and shortening in frosting? Butter is a dairy product, a mixture of fat and about 15-20% water, which gives frosting a rich, creamy flavor but can also make it less stable and prone to melting. Shortening, on the other hand, is 100% solid fat, typically vegetable-based. Because it contains no water and has a higher melting point, shortening provides significantly more stability and structure to frosting, making it thicker and less likely to sag or melt. Using both butter and shortening, as in this recipe, allows you to enjoy the delicious, classic buttery flavor while benefiting from the enhanced stability and firm texture that shortening provides.
Creative Substitutions for Your Sugar Cookie Bars
Don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen! When it comes to making substitutions in recipes, remember that adapting ingredients to suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand is part of the joy of cooking. Make this recipe truly your own!
-
Almond extract alternatives: While almond extract provides a uniquely rich, sweet, and nutty flavor that beautifully complements vanilla, it can certainly be interchanged with pure vanilla extract for a more classic taste. For a similar sweet, nutty profile, you might also consider trying hazelnut extract. Other options include lemon, orange, or even peppermint extract for seasonal variations.
-
Shortening substitutes: Although I don’t typically recommend a full substitution for shortening in this frosting due to its unique stability benefits, in a pinch, you can use an equal amount of butter (1 cup shortening = 1 cup butter). Be aware that an all-butter frosting will be softer and may melt more easily, especially in warmer environments. You might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve a firmer consistency, or chill the frosted bars longer.
-
Milk alternatives in frosting: Milk primarily acts as a thinning agent in the frosting, allowing you to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency. Therefore, almost any liquid can work! Feel free to use heavy cream for an even richer frosting, or simply water if you’re out of milk. For flavored frostings, you could experiment with a small amount of lemon juice for a tangy kick, or even cold coffee for a subtle mocha flavor.
Top Tips & Tricks for Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Achieving perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks:
-
Invest in a Mixer: This recipe involves a fair amount of creaming and mixing, especially for the frosting. I highly recommend using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. It will save your arm muscles and ensure your ingredients are thoroughly combined and aerated for the best texture.
-
Prepare Dough Ahead of Time: One of the greatest conveniences of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the cookie dough up to three to five days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in plastic in your refrigerator. For even longer storage, the dough can be wrapped and frozen for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
-
Proper Storage for Freshness: To keep your frosted treats soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container (like Tupperware or a resealable bag) at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store them for a few more days beyond that, transfer them to the refrigerator.
-
Perfect for Gifting & Selling: These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for an attractive presentation for work events, school parties, or simply sharing with friends and neighbors.
-
Creative Shapes (and Leftovers!): While designed as bars, you can also use cookie cutters on the baked and cooled sheet of cookie bars to create fun shapes – think Valentine’s Day hearts, spooky Halloween pumpkins, or festive stars. Don’t waste the leftover pieces! Crumble them over ice cream, yogurt, or use them as a topping for other desserts for an easy and yummy bonus treat.
More Sugar Cookie Recipes to Love
If you can’t get enough of sugar cookies, be sure to check out these other delightful recipes:
- Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (pictured above, a classic favorite!)
- Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies
- Great Aunt Vern’s Sugar Cookies
- Sugar Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (a decadent twist!)
- Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting (an unexpected but delicious pairing!)
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a party, or simply craving a sweet and comforting treat, these sugary, delicious, and classic FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BARS are the perfect solution. Go ahead and whip up a batch – decorate them to match any theme, or enjoy them simply “just because.” They’re always a delightful choice that will bring joy to everyone who tries them. Yum!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
-
Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
-
Rubber Spatulas
-
Offset Spatula , SIMEEGO Icing Spatula Set with 6 8 10 Inch Stainless Steel Blades
-
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
-
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
-
13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- FOR THE COOKIES:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla +1/2 tsp almond extract, optional
- 5 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- FOR THE FROSTING:
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 teaspoon almond extract
- pinch of salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tablespoons milk
- FOR DECORATING:
- food coloring optional
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C).
-
For the cookies: In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, and beat well until fully incorporated. In a separate medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder). Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Lightly grease a 13×18 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting.
-
For the frosting: In a mixer, cream together softened unsalted butter and shortening. Add your chosen extract(s) (vanilla and/or almond) and a pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with small amounts of milk, mixing until the frosting is wonderfully light, smooth, and fluffy.
-
If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring to match your occasion.
-
Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
-
Top with your choice of sprinkles or other decorations, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition
original recipe from A Little Bit Crunchy, A Little Bit Rock & Roll