If you are craving a dessert that combines the classic charm of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars, this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Soft, buttery cookie bars provide the perfect base, while a thick layer of luscious vanilla buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of colorful confetti take them straight to party-perfect status. No rolling, cutting, or fuss—just pure, joyful baking and even more joyful eating. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a bake sale or just want a sweet treat for your family, these bars deliver on every front.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate filled with small rectangular frosted cake pieces arranged in a slightly scattered way on a white marbled surface with a green cloth underneath. Each cake piece has two layers: the bottom layer is light brown and soft, while the top layer is a smooth, pale pink frosting. To the side, there is a small white bowl with pink sprinkles and a spoon inside, and a corner of a white plate with one frosted cake piece on it. A woman's hand is reaching from the left side toward the cakes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create irresistibly soft bars with the creamiest frosting. Each item is chosen to build the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal that make these bars shine.

Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to both the cookie bars and frosting; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture of the cookie base.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and moisture provider to keep bars soft.
Vanilla extract: Infuses all components with warm, aromatic flavor.
All-purpose flour: The structure builder for the cookie bars, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
Baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift to keep the bars soft without being cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth, creamy vanilla frosting.
Heavy cream or milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve that dreamy frosting consistency.
Food coloring (optional): Perfect for customizing the frosting’s hue for holidays or special occasions.
Sprinkles: The festive finishing touch that brings fun and color to every bite.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out easily in perfect squares. This setup will help you breeze through the cleanup and slicing later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and deepen the cookie’s flavor with that unmistakable warm vanilla note.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of these leavening and flavor-enhancing agents so your bars bake uniformly.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bars tough, so keep it gentle for that soft, tender bite.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan and Bake

Transfer the dough into your prepared pan and press it evenly with your hands or a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the center still looks soft. This baking window keeps the bars from drying out.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool thoroughly in the pan before frosting—this prevents the buttercream from melting into the cookie and keeps it beautifully smooth.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract together until the frosting becomes smooth, light, and fluffy. Add food coloring if you’d like to add a festive pop of color.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with your chosen colorful sprinkles. Then, slice into squares and prepare for all the compliments coming your way!

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows a group of square frosted pastries arranged closely on a wire rack over a white marbled surface. Each square has a base layer of light golden baked dough with a smooth, thick layer of soft pink frosting on top. The frosting is spread evenly and decorated with bright, colorful rainbow sprinkles scattered across all pieces. To the upper left, a white bowl filled with more rainbow sprinkles is partially visible, and a woman's hand is holding a silver spoon scooping some sprinkles from the bowl. A light yellow cloth is placed casually on the white marbled surface near the rack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the classic choice to add a burst of color and fun texture, but you can also get creative with edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or even a light dusting of colored sugar for subtle sparkle that dazzles.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal afternoon treat or dessert that complements any casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe squares on a tiered dessert stand to wow your guests. You can also package them individually in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon—perfect for party favors or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The bars will stay fresh and soft for about four days, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy all week long.

Freezing

If you want to save some bars for later, freeze them unfrosted in a single layer first, then wrap tightly before stacking. Frost the bars only after thawing for best results. This way, you can have a quick homemade dessert on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

While these bars are best served at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, heat individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact and the cookie tender.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter for this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?

Butter is recommended for its superior flavor and texture, but if you must, margarine can work in a pinch. Keep in mind that the taste and consistency may be slightly different, and the bars might not be as tender or rich.

Is it necessary to line the baking pan with parchment paper?

While not absolutely required, lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and helps achieve cleaner edges. It also saves you time scrubbing the pan afterward.

Can I substitute heavy cream with milk in the frosting?

Yes, milk is a perfectly fine substitute and keeps the frosting smooth and creamy. Heavy cream will just give it an extra richness if you have it on hand.

How can I make the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe more festive for holidays?

Add food coloring to the frosting to match holiday themes, such as red and green for Christmas or pastel pinks and blues for baby showers. The sprinkles can also be swapped out for themed designs to enhance the look.

What’s the best way to slice these bars cleanly?

For neat slices, chill the frosted bars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up the frosting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to maintain precise edges.

Final Thoughts

This Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an effortless way to enjoy the classic flavors of sugar cookies with all the ease of bar baking. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every soft, buttery bite and every colorful sprinkle on top. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dessert lineup!