Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're craving the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies but want a simpler way to enjoy them without the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies, then frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect answer. This delightful dessert brings together the rich sweetness of classic sugar cookies and the creamy goodness of a smooth frosting, all baked together in one convenient pan. Read on to learn how to make these delectable bars, plus tips, tricks, and ideas to make your frosted sugar cookie bars the best they can be!

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What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially a cross between sugar cookies and cookie bars. Rather than shaping individual cookies, you make a single batch of sugar cookie dough and bake it in a pan, similar to how you would prepare brownies or blondies. Once baked, you slather a delicious layer of frosting on top, cut them into bars, and serve. These sweet, tender bars are perfect for holidays, parties, or even just a cozy weekend treat. Plus, they are easy to customize with different colors and toppings to match any occasion.

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Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make these irresistible frosted sugar cookie bars:

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup sour cream (this adds moisture and keeps the bars soft)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or other toppings (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about frosted sugar cookie bars is how flexible the recipe can be. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to mix up the flavors, there are several substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of gluten.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter in both the cookie bars and the frosting with a plant-based butter alternative. You can also replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the cookie dough for a burst of freshness. You can also experiment with different extracts—swap the vanilla for almond, peppermint, or even maple extract to create unique flavors.
• Healthier Swaps: If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. You could also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and potential variations ready, it's time to get baking. Follow these steps to create soft, chewy frosted sugar cookie bars that will melt in your mouth.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
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 bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. Then, add the sour cream and mix again.
5. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars too dense.
6. Spread the dough: Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft and chewy.
8. Cool completely: Once baked, let the sugar cookie bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

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

Now that your cookie bars are baked and cooled, it's time to whip up that delicious frosting. Here's how you can make a rich and creamy topping for your frosted sugar cookie bars:

1. Make the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Once all the sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
2. Add cream and vanilla: Add the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract to the frosting, and beat on high speed until light and fluffy. If you want to color the frosting, now is the time to mix in a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
3. Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. Add sprinkles or other toppings if desired.
4. Cut and serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board, then slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making frosted sugar cookie bars, it's easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the texture and flavor. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overbaking: If you leave the bars in the oven too long, they’ll turn out dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy. Keep a close eye on them in the final minutes of baking.
• Skipping the cooling step: It’s tempting to frost the bars while they’re still warm, but this will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Always wait until they’re fully cool.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough, dense bars. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation of your frosted sugar cookie bars can take them from a simple dessert to a showstopper. Here are a few serving tips:

• Cut uniform pieces: Use a ruler or guide to ensure all your bars are the same size. This not only looks better but also ensures everyone gets an equal serving.
• Top with sprinkles: A colorful sprinkle mix can make these bars look fun and festive for any occasion.
• Use different colors: If you're making these for a holiday or event, match the frosting color to the theme. For instance, use red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

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How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted sugar cookie bars can be served on their own or with a side of complementary treats. They pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, display the bars on a cake stand or tiered platter for a more elegant touch.

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Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

To elevate the presentation of your frosted sugar cookie bars, consider the following ideas:

• Themed toppings: For a birthday party, add colorful sprinkles, or for a winter holiday, top the frosting with crushed candy canes.
• Edible glitter: Make your cookie bars sparkle by dusting them with edible glitter or shimmering sugar.
• Piped designs: If you have extra frosting, use a piping bag to create intricate designs or add swirls on top of each bar for a professional finish.

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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Softening butter: To ensure your butter is soft enough to cream with the sugar, take it out of the fridge 1-2 hours before you start baking.
• Even baking: For evenly baked bars, spread the dough as evenly as possible in the pan, making sure the edges aren’t thicker than the middle.
• Storing leftovers: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A: Absolutely! While homemade frosting is more flavorful, store-bought frosting is a quick and easy alternative. You can also jazz it up with a splash of vanilla extract or food coloring.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
A: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper is the best way to ensure the bars don’t stick. It also makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after cooling.

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Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect treat for any occasion—simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you're baking them for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress. Follow the steps in this recipe, and you’ll have soft, chewy bars topped with creamy, dreamy frosting that will disappear in no time. Happy baking!

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