Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of classic sugar cookies, you’ll love these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. They have all the delicious flavors of traditional sugar cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form, topped with a rich, creamy frosting. These bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Plus, they're customizable with sprinkles and food coloring to suit any occasion! Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and variations to help you bake the perfect sugar cookie bars.

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What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting individual cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking dish and baked as a single layer, creating thick, soft, and chewy cookie bars. Once baked, they are topped with a luscious layer of buttercream frosting and often decorated with sprinkles for a fun, festive touch. They’re much easier and faster to make than traditional sugar cookies and are perfect for any event or celebration.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream, for a creamier texture)
• Food coloring (optional, to match the season or occasion)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)

Ingredients List for Additional Flavor and Variations

Looking to make your sugar cookie bars unique? Try these additional ingredients or variations:

• Almond extract – Swap out some of the vanilla for ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Lemon zest – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough or frosting for a bright citrus note.
• Cream cheese frosting – Replace part of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy, richer frosting.
• Holiday-themed sprinkles – Customize the bars for different holidays or celebrations by using themed sprinkles or colored sugar.
• Chocolate frosting – Make a chocolate buttercream by adding 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the frosting.

Substitutions and Variations

These cookie bars are easily customizable to accommodate different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-free version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter in both the bars and frosting with a plant-based butter alternative, and use almond or oat milk in the frosting.
• Sugar-free version: Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, and use a powdered sugar alternative for the frosting.
• Funfetti bars: Add ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles directly into the cookie dough to create festive funfetti cookie bars.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Press the Dough into the Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it into an even layer using your hands or a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft and chewy.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
9. Make the Buttercream Frosting:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
   • Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
   • If you’re adding food coloring, mix it into the frosting at this point.
10. Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula. If desired, add sprinkles or other decorations while the frosting is still soft.
11. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

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

Here’s a quick guide for making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Prepare and bake the bars: Mix the dough, press it into the pan, and bake until lightly golden.
2. Cool completely: Wait for the bars to cool before adding frosting.
3. Prepare the frosting: Whip up the buttercream, adding food coloring if desired.
4. Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
5. Slice and enjoy: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking can cause them to become dry. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.
• Frosting too soon: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting, or the frosting will melt and become runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to fit different themes or holidays. Here are some ideas to make them stand out:

• Serve at room temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature so that the frosting stays soft and creamy.
• Customize for holidays: Use colored frosting or themed sprinkles for holidays like Christmas (red and green), Halloween (orange and black), or Easter (pastel colors).
• Add a drizzle: For an extra special touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel over the frosting before adding sprinkles.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Serve these bars family-style on a large platter or as individual servings on small plates. They make great party desserts and are perfect for bake sales, picnics, or potlucks. You can cut them into large squares for generous portions or smaller pieces for a bite-sized treat.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Festive Tray: Arrange the bars on a colorful or themed tray, adding a few extra sprinkles around the edges for decoration.
• Stacked Layers: Stack the bars on a cake stand or tiered tray for a more dramatic dessert table display.
• Gift Wrap: Wrap individual bars in clear plastic wrap and tie with a colorful ribbon for a cute and edible gift idea.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: If you find the dough too sticky to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
• Use an offset spatula: For spreading frosting evenly and smoothly, an offset spatula works best.
• Make ahead: You can bake the sugar cookie bars a day in advance and frost them the next day. Just be sure to store the bars in an airtight container overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long do Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars last?
A: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I freeze Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
A: Yes! To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can try cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even a marshmallow-fluff-based frosting for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and fun dessert that combines the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar form and the sweetness of a thick layer of buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and even easier to customize. So, grab your favorite sprinkles, and give this recipe a try today! Your family and friends are sure to love them!

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