If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert that’s sure to please a crowd, these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are your answer. They combine the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies with a rich, creamy frosting, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. This treat is a wonderful choice because it offers all the flavor of traditional sugar cookies without the labor-intensive rolling and cutting that usually comes with them. With minimal effort and ingredients, this dessert is ideal for anyone who wants something sweet and festive in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a holiday feast, or simply craving something sugary to brighten your day, these bars are sure to hit the spot. The convenience of making them in bar form makes them an absolute go-to, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun moments with loved ones.

The idea for these bars came from a craving for sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling dough and cutting out shapes. After a quick experiment in the kitchen, these frosted sugar cookie bars emerged as the perfect solution: all the flavor of classic sugar cookies in a simplified, mess-free format. The concept of a frosted sugar cookie was something I could never pass up, and the idea of turning it into a bar made it so much easier to prepare and serve. When I brought them to a family event, they were gone in minutes, and everyone asked for the recipe! The ease of making these bars became apparent when I realized that they could be thrown together with minimal effort but still have the impact of a professional dessert. It was my favorite kind of surprise—something simple yet impressive!

What’s great about these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is how customizable they are. You can make them your own by adjusting the flavor of the frosting, adding sprinkles, or swapping in different extracts like almond or lemon. They’re perfect for any holiday, party, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to match the frosting to a special occasion or keep it classic with traditional vanilla. If you prefer a less sugary topping, you can even try a glaze instead of the thick frosting. These bars are designed to be versatile and adaptable, ensuring that they fit into any dietary preference or festive theme. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, Christmas, or just as an afternoon treat, they’ll be a hit every time.

Why These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: No need to roll dough or cut out individual cookies. These bars come together quickly and require minimal preparation.
• Customizable: You can change the frosting colors, flavor, and toppings to fit any occasion or mood.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or casual snacking. These bars are as flexible as they are delicious.
• Kid-Friendly: With their soft texture and sweet flavor, these bars are a hit with children and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the bars ahead of time and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

What You Need for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• Food coloring (optional)

How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside.
2. Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and both extracts, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the sour cream until the dough comes together.
3. Bake the bars: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan.
4. Make the frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired, and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Frost the bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Add sprinkles or any other desired toppings.
6. Serve and enjoy: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth dough and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Let the Bars Cool: Make sure the bars are fully cooled before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use Quality Butter: For the best flavor, use high-quality butter in both the dough and frosting.
• Chill the Dough: If you want thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk for the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Add-Ins: For extra flavor, add sprinkles to the dough before baking or mix in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different frosting flavors, like lemon or almond, to suit your taste preferences.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the granulated sugar in the dough and frosting by 1/4 cup each to make a slightly lighter version.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content in the bars.
• Lower-Fat Frosting: Opt for a lighter frosting by using less butter and substituting with Greek yogurt to create a creamier, tangier topping.

Closing for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert when you need something that’s both sweet and simple. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and the ability to be customized to fit any occasion make them the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them for a birthday, holiday, or just a casual snack, these bars will always impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the frosting, toppings, and colors to make them your own. Give them a try and share your creations with friends and family—they’ll surely become a new favorite in your home!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the bars and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before frosting. Frost them just before serving for the best results.
   
2. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   Absolutely! You can try a cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even a simple glaze for a lighter version.
   
3. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes, you can freeze the baked bars (without frosting) for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frost them after thawing.
   
4. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts into the dough for added flavor and texture.
   
5. What size pan should I use?
   A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe. It gives the bars the perfect thickness and allows them to bake evenly.
   
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While butter provides the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well.
   
7. Can I use egg replacers for a vegan version?
   Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or another egg replacer to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
   
8. How should I store leftover bars?
   Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in the refrigerator.
   
9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine to make both the dough and frosting. Just be sure to mix until smooth and creamy.
   
10. Can I make these bars without frosting?
    Yes, the bars are delicious on their own without frosting. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
    
11. How do I make these bars more festive?
    You can add colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored frosting to match a theme or holiday.
    
12. Are these bars suitable for kids?
    Yes! These frosted sugar cookie bars are soft, sweet, and fun to eat, making them a big hit with kids. Just be mindful of the sugar content if serving to young children.
    

These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, buttery treats with minimal effort. They combine the joy of sugar cookies with the ease of bars, making them ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or a casual treat at home. Not only are they quick to make, but they can be customized to fit any occasion, whether you’re adjusting the frosting flavor or adding fun toppings. Their versatility, deliciousness, and adaptability to different tastes make them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Give them a try, and you’re bound to see why this simple recipe quickly becomes a go-to in your dessert repertoire!

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside.
• Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and both extracts, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the sour cream until the dough comes together.
• Bake the bars: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pan.
• Make the frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired, and beat until fully incorporated.
• Frost the bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Add sprinkles or any other desired toppings.
• Serve and enjoy: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!