If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that takes the classic sugar cookie to a whole new level, look no further than this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars perfectly balance a tender, buttery base with a luscious, creamy frosting, making them an irresistible dessert that’s effortless to make and fun to share. Whether you’re baking for a party or craving a homemade sweet snack, this recipe promises tender cookie bars topped with a dreamy layer of frosting and colorful sprinkles that bring joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect blend of flavor and texture—from the rich cream cheese adding moisture to the vanilla bean paste infusing aromatic sweetness. Here’s what you’ll gather before beginning your baking adventure:
- 2½ cups flour (312 g): Provides the essential structure for those tender cookie bars.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the bars light and soft.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps with slight leavening and texture.
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1â…“ cups sugar (267 g): Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g): Adds buttery richness and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and provides moisture for a soft crumb.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Introduces a subtle tang and luscious moisture.
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Offers deep, fragrant vanilla flavor.
- ½ tsp almond extract: Adds a delightful hint of nutty aroma.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting creamy and rich.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Elevates the frosting with aromatic notes.
- ¼ tsp almond extract: Gives the frosting subtle complexity.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired): Adjusts frosting to a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- Sprinkles for topping: Adds a joyful, colorful finish to your bars.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and ready for baking. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This little mix is what ensures your cookie bars rise just enough and have that perfect texture we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key because it creates the structure and sweetness that your bars will be built on, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Extracts, and Cream Cheese
Next, beat in the eggs one by one. Follow this by adding the vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is beautifully incorporated into a creamy batter. These ingredients are what make your cookie bars rich and packed with flavor, ensuring each bite feels special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Sprinkles
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture using a low speed on your mixer. Mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks—no overmixing needed to keep the texture tender. If you love a pop of color inside, fold in a handful of sprinkles with the last addition of dry ingredients. It’s like a sprinkle party in every bar!
Step 5: Press Dough Into Baking Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. With lightly oiled hands, evenly press the sticky dough into the pan. You can lay a piece of parchment over the top while pressing to keep your hands clean. This pressing ensures the bars bake evenly and come out perfectly flat for frosting.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookie bars for 17 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden brown while the center looks just slightly underdone—that’s exactly what you want. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; they’ll firm up as they cool and be easier to frost.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While the bars cool, prepare your frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and a pinch of sea salt, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar. Finish by blending in the heavy cream until your frosting is fluffy and luscious—perfect for spreading.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars have cooled, generously frost the top and sprinkle extra colorful sprinkles over your creation. Allow the frosting to set for a little while before slicing the bars into squares. This final touch brings whimsy and sweetness together, making them irresistible.
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra sprinkles or edible glitter instantly make these bars feel festive and fun. You can also try finely chopped nuts for texture or a light drizzle of white or dark chocolate for a decadent twist. Garnishes personalize the bars and add a little flair for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Pairing these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into an indulgent dessert. For a balanced treat, a cup of hot tea or fresh fruit like berries complements the sweetness beautifully and adds freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a decorative platter for parties or cut them into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats. You can also layer them in a glass jar with alternating layers of frosting and sprinkles for a visually stunning gift idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option but allow the bars to come back to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want to save these bars for later? They freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving to preserve that tender, frosted goodness.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookie bars a little warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the frosting slightly and brings out all those cozy, buttery flavors. Just be careful not to heat too long to avoid drying out the bars.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works wonderfully in this recipe and still delivers great flavor. Vanilla bean paste does offer tiny flecks and a richer aroma, but both options produce delicious results.
Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, almond extract adds a lovely hint of nuttiness but is not essential. If you’d rather keep it simple or have an allergy, you can leave it out without compromising the overall taste.
How thick should the cookie dough layer be in the pan?
Press the dough evenly in the 9×13-inch pan to about a ½ to ¾-inch thickness. This ensures your bars bake through evenly and end up tender with a slightly chewy center, perfect for frosting.
Why do the centers look underbaked when the edges are done?
This is normal for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. The bars continue to cook slightly as they cool, creating a soft, almost gooey center that’s part of their charm and texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit can be a delicious way to customize your bars. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients and enjoy your personalized twist.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but standing out enough for celebrations. Whip up a batch, share with friends or family, and watch how quickly these tender, frosted squares become everyone’s favorite. Baking these bars is not only a joy but a delicious way to make any day a little sweeter.
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars with a creamy buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of festive toppings. These bars combine the richness of cream cheese and butter with sweet vanilla and almond extracts for a perfect treat that’s easy to bake and share.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
Cookie Bars
- 1 â…“ 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
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened (113 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat 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 evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese until fully incorporated. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. If adding sprinkles, fold them in gently with the last bit of flour mixture to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Pan and Press Dough: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray your hands with oil to handle the sticky dough and press it evenly into the pan. Using an additional piece of parchment paper on top can help smooth the surface.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 17-22 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. The center may still seem slightly underdone, which is fine as it will firm up while cooling. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla bean paste, sea salt, and almond extract and mix well. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream and beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add extra sprinkles on top for decoration if desired. Allow the buttercream to set before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth batter and better mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the bars tender.
- The centers of the bars might look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Sprinkles can be added inside the dough or just on top for extra fun and color.
- Storing the bars in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 4 days.
- For easier cutting, chill frosted bars before slicing.
