Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars 7 Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: The Perfect Easy Treat for Any Celebration!
Step into a world of pure sweetness with our incredible Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! Forget the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies; these bars deliver all the beloved flavor and tender texture of classic sugar cookies with an incredibly simple, fuss-free approach. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a joyful afternoon treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to impress everyone with these irresistibly soft and chewy Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that are guaranteed to bring smiles to every face.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful bars. Most of these pantry staples are likely already in your kitchen, ensuring a quick start to your baking adventure.
- For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Preparation Instructions
Creating these magnificent Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps for perfect, tender bars every time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bake up a batch of these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars that taste like they came from a professional bakery!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about frosting them. This is crucial for a clean frosting application.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk (or heavy cream), beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If you desire a colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with your favorite sprinkles, if using. Cut the frosted bars into squares and serve immediately or store for later.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Seasonal Delights: Use different food colorings and sprinkles to match holidays! Think red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright, tangy flavor. You can also add a hint to the frosting.
Almond Bliss: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract in both the cookie and frosting for a delicate, nutty flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: After frosting, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle a pattern over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
Mini Bars: For party appetizers, cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy grabbing.
Reviews
Sarah L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a lifesaver! So much easier than making individual cookies, and they taste even better. My kids devoured them.”
Mark T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Great recipe! I made these for a work potluck, and they were a huge hit. The frosting is perfectly sweet, and the bars are so tender. Will definitely make again.”
Jessica R. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Obsessed! I added a touch of almond extract, and it was divine. These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are now my go-to for any gathering. So simple, so delicious.”
FAQ
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading and baking.
Q: How do I store leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze both unfrosted and frosted bars. For unfrosted, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. For frosted, flash freeze until the frosting is solid, then wrap individually and store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: Why are my cookie bars dry?
A: This usually happens from overmixing the dough or overbaking. Ensure you mix until just combined and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: What kind of milk should I use?
A: Any milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or soy) will work for both the bars and the frosting. For a richer frosting, heavy cream can be used.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! These delightful treats offer all the joy of classic sugar cookies without the hassle, making them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, their tender texture and creamy frosting are sure to hit the spot. Embrace the simplicity and incredible flavor of these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, and watch them disappear in record time!
Recipe Note
For the softest, chewiest bars, be careful not to overbake! The edges should be just lightly golden, and the center set but still soft. Overbaking will lead to a dry, crumbly texture.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 20
Calories: 375
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for bars)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for bars)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for bars)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- Optional: Food coloring
- Optional: Sprinkles
Instructions
Bake the Bars
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment.
2️⃣ Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Mix in egg and vanilla.
4️⃣ In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Add dry ingredients to wet, then mix in milk until smooth.
6️⃣ Spread evenly in pan (dough is thick).
7️⃣ Bake 18–22 minutes until just set and lightly golden at edges.
8️⃣ Cool completely.
Frosting
1️⃣ Beat butter until creamy.
2️⃣ Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
3️⃣ Add coloring if desired.
4️⃣ Spread over cooled bars.
5️⃣ Add sprinkles and slice into squares.
Chef’s Notes: For extra festive bars, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles immediately after frosting. Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
