There’s something magical about sugar cookies, especially when they’re transformed into delightful bars topped with creamy frosting.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings.

They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-sweet, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Table of Contents

Ingredient List

To make my delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, I gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Base

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Sprinkles or colored sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures my sugar cookie bars bake evenly.

Prepare the Baking Pan

I take a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step makes lifting the bars out of the pan easy and helps prevent sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, I combine 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, I beat these together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

I then crack in 2 large eggs and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I mix this on low speed until everything is well combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. After whisking, I gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Spread the Batter in the Pan

I pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, I spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan to ensure even baking.

Bake the Cookie Bars

I place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. I keep an eye on them, and when they are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, I know they are done.

Cool Completely

Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven. I let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential to prevent the frosting from melting later.

Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, I prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, I beat together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened) and 3 cups of powdered sugar. I add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I mix this until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach my desired consistency.

Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the bars are completely cool, I spread the frosting generously over the top using a wide spatula. If I’m feeling festive, I add colorful sprinkles or food coloring to the frosting for a special touch.

Cut and Serve

Recipe Notes & Variations

When making Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, I’ve discovered a few helpful tips and delightful variations to elevate the experience.

Storage Tips

To keep these bars fresh, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If they need to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations

For a twist on the classic vanilla flavor, I love adding different extracts. Almond extract adds a nutty touch, while lemon or orange extracts provide a refreshing citrusy zing. Just replace half of the vanilla with your chosen flavor.

Frosting Ideas

While I often stick with classic buttercream, experimenting is fun! Cream cheese frosting adds richness and tang, while a whipped cream frosting gives the bars a light fluffy texture. You can even tint the frosting with different colors to match themes or occasions.

Toppings

Sprinkles are a perennial favorite, but I sometimes like to add crushed candy canes during the holidays or mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. For a more sophisticated finish, I drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, I substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This adjustment maintains the delicious chewy texture while accommodating dietary preferences.

Seasonal Variations

Incorporate seasonal flavors by adding pumpkin spice for a fall twist or peppermint extract during winter holidays. These variations keep the bars exciting and relevant year-round.

Serving Suggestions

When I’m ready to serve my Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, I love to make them extra special. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Festive Platter: I arrange the cookie bars on a colorful platter and add a sprinkle of edible glitter or colorful confetti sprinkles to elevate the presentation. This is perfect for parties or gatherings.
Dress Them Up: For a fun twist, I often drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosted bars before serving. A few chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on top add a delightful crunch.
Pair with Drinks: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. Sometimes I even offer a selection of flavored coffees for those who enjoy a cozy beverage.
Mix and Match: If I’m serving other desserts, I arrange these bars alongside brownies or cheesecake bites. This variety always pleases guests and encourages them to sample different treats.
Individual Portions: I like to cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them in cupcake liners. This makes for easy grabbing during parties and gives a fun, casual vibe.
Seasonal Themes: I love to adjust my serving suggestions based on the season. For Halloween, I might use orange and black sprinkles; for Christmas, I could top them with crushed peppermint or festive, colorful sprinkles.
Gifting: Occasionally, I package the bars in a decorative box tied with a ribbon. It makes a sweet homemade gift for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Nutrition Information

When I bake my Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, I love knowing the nutritional content that each bar provides.

Here is a breakdown of the nutrition information for one bar based on a standard recipe yielding 24 bars.

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	180
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	50mg
Total Carbohydrates	27g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g

These bars are a delightful treat, featuring the sweetness of sugar and a buttery flavor from the frosting.

While they are a fun indulgence, it’s always good to enjoy them in moderation.

If you’re interested in adjusting the recipe for specific dietary needs, options like using sugar substitutes or gluten-free flour can help tailor the nutrition profile to better fit your lifestyle.

Conclusion

I absolutely love how Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars bring a bit of joy to any occasion.

Their soft and chewy texture paired with that creamy frosting makes them irresistible.

Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to please everyone.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and toppings. After all, baking should be fun and personal.

I can’t wait to see how you make them your own. So grab your ingredients and whip up a batch. You won’t regret it!