Description
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery cookie bars topped with thick vanilla buttercream and colorful sprinkles. These bars offer the classic flavors of sugar cookies without the need for rolling or cutting, making them perfect for parties, holidays, and bake sales.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Vanilla Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color; do not overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired for festive colors.
- Frost Bars: Spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars, then sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for decoration.
- Slice and Serve: Slice into 24 bars. For cleaner edges, chill the frosted bars before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overbake—the bars should remain soft and chewy, not dry.
- Chilling the bars before slicing helps achieve clean, neat edges.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
- The frosting can be tinted with food coloring for festive variations during holidays or parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
