Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Fluffy Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
4. Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before frosting.
5. Prepare the frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream/milk. Continue beating until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
6. Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles if desired.
7. Slice and serve: Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars offer all the best parts of a sugar cookie with less effort and less mess. Instead of rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies, you simply press the dough into a pan, bake, frost, and slice. This makes them perfect for busy bakers or anyone who wants a quick and simple dessert without compromising on flavor.

• Soft and Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of buttery richness and slight chewiness, thanks to the ideal ratio of sugar, butter, and flour.
• Rich and Creamy Frosting: The light, fluffy buttercream frosting takes these bars to the next level of indulgence.
• No Chill Time Needed: Unlike classic sugar cookies that require chilling the dough, this recipe skips that step, making it fast and hassle-free.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Christmas to Valentine’s Day, Easter to birthday parties, these bars can be decorated to match any theme.

If you love sugar cookies but don’t love the time it takes to roll and cut them, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a dream come true!

The Secret to Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars

The key to achieving the perfect texture in these bars comes down to a few simple techniques:

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar

• Beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps create air pockets in the dough, leading to a softer, more tender cookie.
• This process also ensures the bars hold their shape while remaining moist and chewy.

2. Using the Right Ratio of Ingredients

• A balance of fat, sugar, and flour keeps the bars from being too dry or too greasy.
• A little baking powder gives the dough a slight lift, making the bars light instead of dense.

3. Not Overbaking

• Slightly underbaking the bars ensures they remain soft and chewy.
• The edges should be just golden, while the center remains slightly pale—they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Customizing Your Sugar Cookie Bars

One of the best things about these bars is how versatile they are. You can easily change up the flavors, colors, and toppings to match any holiday or event.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Almond Sugar Cookie Bars: The almond extract in the recipe adds a deliciously nutty depth of flavor. For extra almond flavor, sprinkle toasted almonds on top.
• Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars: Stir rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a fun, festive look.

Holiday-Themed Decorations

• Christmas: Use red and green sprinkles, or tint the frosting with a festive shade of red or green.
• Easter: Light pastel colors like pink, yellow, and blue make these perfect for spring celebrations.
• Halloween: Use black, orange, or purple sprinkles for a spooky twist.
• Valentine’s Day: Decorate with heart-shaped sprinkles and pink frosting for a romantic touch.

By changing the frosting color and decorations, you can make these bars fit any season or theme!

How to Get the Perfect Frosting for Your Sugar Cookie Bars

A good frosting can take these cookie bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible. This buttercream frosting is light, creamy, and perfectly sweet—it complements the sugar cookie base without being overwhelming.

Tips for Making Fluffy Buttercream

• Use Softened Butter: Butter that is too cold won’t mix properly, while butter that is too melted will make the frosting too runny.
• Beat Until Light and Fluffy: The longer you beat the frosting, the more air is incorporated, creating a light, airy texture.
• Add Heavy Cream Slowly: Adjust the amount of cream until you reach the desired consistency—a little less for a firmer frosting, a little more for a creamier spread.
• Coloring the Frosting: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring—it provides vibrant color without changing the texture.

Once the frosting is ready, simply spread it evenly over the cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles or additional toppings.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other treats and beverages.

Beverage Pairings

• A glass of cold milk is the classic pairing for any sugar cookie.
• Hot chocolate or chai tea adds a warm, comforting touch.
• A latte or espresso balances the sweetness of the frosting with a bold coffee flavor.

Pair with Other Desserts

• Serve alongside brownies and lemon bars for a fun dessert platter.
• Pair with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Store Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars store well, making them great for make-ahead desserts.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and frost before slicing.

If you’re making them ahead for a party or holiday gathering, store them in a single layer to keep the frosting looking perfect.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate solution for sugar cookie lovers who want all the flavor without the extra work. With a soft, chewy texture and a rich, creamy frosting, they are a foolproof crowd-pleaser that can be customized for any occasion.

Their simple, one-pan preparation makes them perfect for busy bakers, parties, and holidays. Whether you keep them classic or dress them up with sprinkles and colors, these cookie bars are guaranteed to be a hit.