Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of classic frosted sugar cookies but looking for an easier and quicker option, frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect solution! These bars pack all the delicious flavor of traditional sugar cookies but come together in a fraction of the time. They're soft, sweet, and topped with a layer of rich, creamy frosting. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering, birthday party, or just because you're craving something sweet, this frosted sugar cookie bars recipe is sure to become a favorite. Keep reading to discover how to make this irresistible treat, including step-by-step instructions, substitutions, and presentation ideas.

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. Instead of rolling out individual cookies, the dough is spread in a pan and baked as one large cookie base. Once cooled, the bars are topped with a smooth layer of frosting and cut into squares or rectangles for serving. These bars have the same buttery, sugary goodness of sugar cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a thick layer of creamy frosting. They are perfect for any occasion and easy to customize with different toppings, colors, and flavors. Plus, they save you time since you don’t have to roll, cut, and bake individual cookies!

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make the sugar cookie base:

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure and stability to the cookie dough.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures the bars rise slightly and have a soft texture.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and gives the bars their signature sugar cookie taste.
• Eggs (2 large): Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Gives the dough a classic vanilla flavor.
• Almond extract (optional, ½ tsp): Adds a slight nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.

Ingredients List for the Frosting

For the frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): The base of the frosting that provides a creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth, thick consistency.
• Heavy cream or milk (2-4 tbsp): Thins out the frosting to your desired spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds flavor to the frosting.
• Food coloring (optional): To customize the frosting with fun colors.
• Sprinkles (optional): Adds a decorative touch and some crunch to the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is already amazing as is, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for the frosting.
• Flavored Frosting: Add different extracts to the frosting, such as peppermint, lemon, or coconut, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Chocolate Frosting: Substitute ¼ cup of the powdered sugar in the frosting for cocoa powder to make a chocolate version.
• Decorations: Get creative with your frosting colors and sprinkles to match the occasion, whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just for fun!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making frosted sugar cookie bars is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray. The parchment paper will help you lift the bars out of the pan easily once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 6: Spread Dough in the Pan

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once the cookie bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

How to Cook Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking frosted sugar cookie bars involves not just baking but also getting the perfect texture and taste. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to ensure your cookie bars come out soft, sweet, and perfectly frosted:

1. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven so that the bars cook evenly from start to finish. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the cookie bars may come out undercooked or unevenly baked.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar Properly: This step is crucial for getting a light and fluffy cookie texture. Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together for at least 2-3 minutes until it’s pale and airy.
3. Don’t Overbake: Sugar cookie bars should remain soft, so bake just until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center will continue to set as it cools.
4. Let the Bars Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cookie bars will result in a melted mess. Be patient and allow them to cool entirely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like frosted sugar cookie bars, there are some common mistakes that can affect the final product:

• Overbaking: This is the number one mistake. Sugar cookie bars should be soft, so avoid baking them until they’re fully browned. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when the edges just start to turn golden.
• Not Cooling the Bars Fully Before Frosting: Applying frosting to warm cookie bars will cause the frosting to melt and become runny, resulting in a messy appearance.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars, so mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Using Cold Butter: Always use room-temperature butter when creaming with sugar. Cold butter won’t cream properly and can result in dense, unevenly baked bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your frosted sugar cookie bars are baked, frosted, and ready to serve, here are some tips to make them look as good as they taste:

• Cut Clean, Even Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut your bars into even squares or rectangles. For a cleaner cut, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
• Add Sprinkles or Toppings: Right after frosting, add sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy to the top to give your bars a fun and festive appearance.
• Serve on a Decorative Plate or Tray: Presentation matters! Arrange the bars on a pretty serving tray, or line a plate with parchment paper for a bakery-style look.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted sugar cookie bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

• As a Party Dessert: These bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside other desserts like brownies, cupcakes, and cookies.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars as an afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Holiday Gift: Pack these bars in decorative tins or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Colorful Frosting: Customize the frosting color based on the occasion. For example, use red and green frosting for Christmas, or pastel colors for Easter or a baby shower.
• Themed Sprinkles: Match the sprinkles to the theme of the event. For birthdays, use colorful sprinkles, or for Halloween, opt for black and orange sprinkles.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: After frosting, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an elegant touch.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough for Thicker Bars: If you prefer thicker sugar cookie bars, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan.
• Use a Silicone Spatula for Smoothing: A silicone spatula works well for spreading the dough evenly in the pan and smoothing the frosting on top.
• Double the Recipe for Larger Gatherings: If you need more bars, you can easily double the recipe and bake them in two pans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make frosted sugar cookie bars up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: How do I store leftover frosted sugar cookie bars?
A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A: Absolutely! While homemade frosting tastes best, store-bought frosting can be a quick and convenient alternative.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the flavor of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar cookie. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday gathering, or just for fun, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. With a soft, buttery base and a rich layer of frosting, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to make. Try out this recipe today and customize it with your favorite colors and decorations. Enjoy!

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