Delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

Indulge in the simple pleasure of our **Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars**, featuring a tender, buttery sugar cookie base crowned with a generous layer of rich, fluffy frosting. These homemade cookie bars are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with vibrant food coloring and festive sprinkles for any celebration, making every bite a moment of pure joy.

Loved by both children and adults, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their subtly sweet vanilla cookie base provides the perfect foundation for the cloud-like frosting, often enhanced with a hint of almond extract for an extra layer of deliciousness. What makes these dessert bars truly special is their incredible adaptability; they can be effortlessly customized for any holiday or special event. Whether you’re planning a large party or simply need a generous batch of treats, this recipe is your go-to solution.

My journey with these irresistible Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars began back in 2012, and it quickly turned into an obsession! I remember making them so frequently, sometimes even three times in a single week. While I initially used only vanilla extract, a serendipitous experiment led me to incorporate almond extract, and I haven’t looked back since. That subtle almond note adds a distinctive and utterly delicious dimension to the classic sugar cookie flavor.

If you’re a devoted fan of traditional chewy sugar cookies, then prepare for your world to be rocked by these bar cookies. They offer all the beloved characteristics of a classic sugar cookie but in an incredibly simple, easy-to-make bar form. No rolling, no cutting, just pure baking bliss!

The Enduring Appeal of Classic Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

There’s something uniquely comforting and celebratory about classic sugar cookie bars with frosting. When a dessert features “sugar” prominently in its name, you know it’s destined to be wonderfully tasty! These festive cookie bars are not just delicious; they are also a fantastic party dessert or holiday treat, largely because they can be easily prepared in advance. Why settle for store-bought sweets when you can whip up these simple, homemade sugar cookie bars right in your own kitchen?

Unleashing Creativity: Customizing Your Frosted Cookie Bars

The true charm of traditional sugar cookies lies in their perfect adaptability for any season or occasion. This convenient bar form recipe, while using vanilla and almond extract as a base, truly shines when you start experimenting with flavors. Imagine pumpkin extract for a cozy Fall treat, refreshing peppermint for Christmas, or bright lemon for a zesty summer delight. The possibilities are endless! Beyond flavor, you can transform these frosted dessert bars by simply changing the frosting color and adding fun sprinkles or unique decorations. Think vibrant reds and pinks for Valentine’s Day, patriotic blues and whites for the 4th of July, or soft pastels for baby showers and spring celebrations. Each modification allows you to create a unique and memorable dessert that perfectly fits the moment.

If you adore delicious dessert bars, then you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with these delightful variations as well: Iced Snickerdoodle Bars, the comforting PB&J Oatmeal Cookie Bars, simple No Bake Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, and these surprisingly luscious Frosted Zucchini Brownies! Each offers a unique twist on the bar cookie concept, perfect for expanding your baking repertoire.

Why These Easy Dessert Bars Are a Must-Try

As a dedicated host, I understand the importance of easy recipes that can be prepared well in advance. These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars fit that description perfectly, making entertaining a breeze. You can prepare the sugar cookie dough up to a week ahead of time and store it securely wrapped in plastic in your refrigerator. This simple trick saves you valuable time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations or simply enjoy your guests.

This is genuinely one of my most cherished sugar cookie recipes, and I’ve proudly made these easy sugar cookie bars for countless occasions. From Halloween parties and engagement celebrations to bustling bake sales, lively class parties, and heartwarming family reunions, they have always been a resounding success. Their versatility makes them ideal for any holiday season, and they consistently deliver a wonderfully yummy taste that leaves everyone asking for more. Their ease of preparation combined with their festive appeal makes them a standout choice for any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Our Best Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card. Below is an overview of what you’ll need to create these delectable bars.

For the Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Unsalted Butter: Recommended to give you precise control over the salt content in your recipe, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for that classic sweetness and tender cookie texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, providing structure and richness to the cookie dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: For the most authentic and aromatic vanilla flavor that defines a classic sugar cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient, providing the necessary structure for these delightful bars.
• Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth of the other ingredients.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps our cookie bars rise slightly and achieve a wonderfully soft texture.

For the Fluffy, Rich Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides that delicious, creamy base and rich flavor for our frosting.
• Shortening: A key ingredient used to create a more stable, thicker frosting that holds its shape beautifully and prevents melting, especially crucial for decorated treats.
• Almond or Vanilla Extract: You can use one, or a combination of both, to achieve your desired flavor profile. Almond extract offers a distinctive, slightly nutty aroma, while vanilla provides a classic, sweet essence.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): The backbone of any good frosting, providing smooth sweetness and structure.
• Milk: Any dairy or plant-based milk of your choice works perfectly here, used to achieve the ideal consistency for a spreadable, fluffy frosting.

For Decorating (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• Food Coloring: Perfect for customizing your frosting to match any holiday, party theme, or personal preference.
• Sprinkles: Add a festive touch, a pop of color, and a fun texture that makes these cookie bars truly irresistible and party-ready.

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

Creating these delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked and beautifully frosted treats every time.

1. Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Lightly grease a 13×18-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with a piece of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This ensures your cookie bars won’t stick and makes removal a breeze.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a smooth and rich wet mixture.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients & Form Dough: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet mixture in your large bowl, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, evenly spread it into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.





4. Prepare the Fluffy Frosting: While your cookie bars are baking and cooling, you can start on the frosting recipe. In a clean large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, your chosen extracts (vanilla, almond, or both), and a pinch of salt using an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the frosting becomes wonderfully light and fluffy. If desired, now is the time to add food coloring to achieve your desired shade.



5. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie bars have completely cooled (this is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting!), generously spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top. An offset spatula works best for achieving a smooth, even layer. For a festive touch, immediately add sprinkles, candy bits, or fresh fruit if you desire. Cut into squares and serve!

Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!

If you’re as excited about this FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BAR recipe as we are, make sure you save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes or a special occasion calls for a delightful treat!

FAQs: Your Questions About Sugar Cookie Bars Answered

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about baking and storing these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars.

• Why are my frosted sugar cookies so dry? If you notice your dough is dry and crumbly before baking, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water, one at a time, until the mixture binds together nicely. The most common reason for dry cookies once they’re out of the oven is over-baking. To combat this, ensure you remove them promptly when the edges turn golden. If they still turn out a bit dry, don’t fret – a generous layer of our rich frosting can often help moisten them up wonderfully!
• How long can frosted sugar cookies last at room temperature? For optimal freshness and flavor, store your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out.
• Do frosted sugar cookies need to be refrigerated? You don’t immediately need to refrigerate your frosted sugar cookies. They’ll stay fresh and presentable on your counter for about a week in an airtight container. If you need to store them for longer, transfer them to the fridge for up to two weeks or even the freezer for up to three months. However, remember that any unbaked sugar cookie dough must always be refrigerated promptly to ensure safety and freshness.
• How do you prevent the middle of cookie bars from sinking and ensure they are fully cooked? To ensure your sugar cookie bars are fully cooked through and to prevent the dreaded sunken middle, keep an eye out for golden brown edges. Another reliable test is to insert a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked and ready to be removed from the oven.
• What’s the difference between butter and shortening in frosting? Butter is a mixture of fat and water, giving it a rich flavor and creamy texture. Shortening, on the other hand, is 100% fat. This higher fat content makes shortening incredibly stable, providing a frosting that holds its shape better and is less prone to melting than one made solely with butter. Using a combination of both butter and shortening, as in this recipe, offers the best of both worlds: the delightful buttery flavor we all love, combined with the superior stability of shortening for a perfect, fluffy frosting.

Creative Substitutions for Your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to baking, don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity and tailor recipes to your personal taste and any dietary preferences you may have. Making a recipe your own is part of the fun!

• Almond Extract Alternatives: While almond extract provides a beautifully rich and distinct flavor to both the cookies and frosting, it’s easily interchangeable with pure vanilla extract for a more classic taste. For a delightful variation, you might also consider hazelnut extract to introduce a similar sweet, nutty aroma.
• Shortening Alternatives in Frosting: Although we highly recommend shortening for its stability and ability to create a thick, fluffy frosting that holds its shape, in a pinch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter (a 1:1 ratio). Be aware that an all-butter frosting will be softer and may not hold up as well in warmer temperatures.
• Milk Options for Frosting: Milk acts as a thinning agent in the frosting, helping you achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Feel free to use any type of dairy milk or your preferred plant-based milk. For a richer frosting, cream can also be used. If you want to infuse a unique flavor into your frosting, a touch of lemon juice for a tangy zest or even cold coffee for a subtle mocha twist can be excellent additions.

Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Achieve bakery-quality results with these expert tips for making, storing, and serving your frosted cookie bars.

• Effortless Mixing: This recipe involves a fair amount of mixing, especially when creaming the butter and sugar, and then whipping the frosting. For ease and efficiency, we highly recommend using a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment. This will save your arms and ensure a consistently smooth mixture.
• Make-Ahead Dough: Planning is key for stress-free baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to three to five days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in your refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. For longer storage, the dough can be wrapped and frozen for up to three months, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
• Optimal Storage: To keep your frosted cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container (like Tupperware or a Ziploc bag) at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to extend their shelf life slightly further, transfer them to the refrigerator for a few additional days.
• Perfect for Gifting & Selling: For bake sales, potlucks, or simply as thoughtful gifts for colleagues or teachers, package individual cookie bars in clear cellophane bags. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also keeps them fresh and easy to transport.
• Get Creative with Leftovers: If you use cookie cutters to create fun shapes (like hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween) from the bars before frosting, don’t discard the leftover pieces! These crumbs make a fantastic topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even as a base for mini trifles. It’s an easy way to enjoy every last bit of deliciousness!

• Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (pictured above)
• Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies
• Great Aunt Vern’s Sugar Cookies
• Sugar Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
• Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting

Go ahead and make this sugary, absolutely delicious, and classic FROSTED SUGAR COOKIE BAR recipe – just because, or decorate them specially for any upcoming celebration! These delightful treats are always a hit. Yum!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars have a buttery sugar cookie base and a layer of rich frosting. You can decorate these homemade cookie bars for any occasion with a little food coloring and sprinkles.

Course: Bars | Cuisine: American

Keywords: cookie bar recipe, cookie bars with frosting, easy dessert bars, festive cookie bars, frosted cookie bars, frosted dessert bars, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, frosted treats, holiday dessert, homemade cookie bars, party desserts, sugar cookie bars recipe, sugar cookie recipe

Servings: 32 bars | Calories: 290kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
• Rubber Spatulas
• Offset Spatula, SIMEEGO Icing Spatula Set with 6 8 10 Inch Stainless Steel Blades
• Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
• KitchenAid Hand Mixer
• 13×18 Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

• FOR THE COOKIES:
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla (plus 1/2 tsp almond extract, optional)
• 5 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• FOR THE FROSTING:
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 teaspoon almond extract (or a mix of both)
• pinch of salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 5 Tablespoons milk
• FOR DECORATING:
• food coloring (optional)
• sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
2. For the cookies: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs, and beat well until fully combined. In a separate medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Spread the dough evenly into the greased 13×18 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely before frosting.
5. For the frosting: In a mixer, cream together softened butter and shortening. Add the extract(s) and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, a little at a time, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
6. If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring to match your occasion.
7. Evenly spread the frosting onto the completely cooled cookie bars.
8. Top with your favorite sprinkles or other decorations if you choose.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 90mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g

This recipe was originally posted in 2012. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on July 28, 2023.