Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Thick, soft Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars topped with a luscious layer of frosting are the ultimate treat for any celebration. These bars combine the rich buttery flavor of sugar cookies with a creamy, customizable frosting. Perfect for sharing, these cookie bars are easy to make and even easier to love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: No rolling or cutting required; just press the dough into a pan, bake, and frost.

Customizable: Add your favorite food coloring and sprinkles to match any theme or occasion.

Crowd-Pleaser: With 24 servings, it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or bake sales.

Soft and Chewy: Every bite has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake these bars in advance and frost them when needed.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Make the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Bake the Bars:

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed to avoid messes. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring, if desired.

Frost and Decorate:

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle with decorations, if using.

Slice and Serve:

Cut into squares or rectangles, then serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Festive Touch: Use themed sprinkles and food coloring for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or birthdays.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a nutty flavor.

Citrus Twist: Add zest from a lemon or orange to the dough or frosting.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them and frost before serving.

Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.

Related Recipes:

• Frosted Coffee Brownies
• Cool Whip and Pudding Frosting
• Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake with Strawberries

FAQs

How do I keep the bars soft?

I always make sure to avoid overbaking. Removing them when the edges are lightly golden ensures a soft, chewy texture.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, the frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before cutting to get cleaner edges. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for a polished look.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking pan, such as 11×17 inches, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

These easy frosted sugar cookie bars are a delightful dessert that delivers both simplicity and taste. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just because, they’re bound to impress with their soft texture and sweet frosting. With endless customization options, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.

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