Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Who doesn’t love the soft, chewy goodness of sugar cookies combined with the rich, creamy delight of frosting? Frosted sugar cookie bars offer the perfect solution for those who want the classic taste of sugar cookies but don’t have the time or patience to roll out dough and cut out individual cookies. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make frosted sugar cookie bars that are as delicious as they are easy to make. Read on for a complete guide, including ingredients, variations, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially a variation of classic sugar cookies. Rather than cutting out individual cookie shapes, the dough is spread into a baking dish and baked as a single layer. Once the cookie layer is baked and cooled, it's topped with a generous layer of frosting. These bars offer all the flavors of traditional sugar cookies—sweet, buttery, and soft—with the added convenience of a quicker preparation process. Plus, they are easily customizable with different frosting colors, sprinkles, or flavor variations.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

To make frosted sugar cookie bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (softened)
2. Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
3. Eggs – 2 large
4. Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
5. All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups
6. Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
7. Salt – ½ teaspoon

For the Frosting:

1. Unsalted Butter – ½ cup (softened)
2. Powdered Sugar – 3 cups
3. Heavy Cream or Milk – 2-3 tablespoons
4. Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
5. Food Coloring – optional, for colorful frosting
6. Sprinkles – optional, for decoration

Ingredients List for Variations

Looking to mix things up or create a personalized version of frosted sugar cookie bars? Here are some ingredients you can use for variations:

For a Lemon Twist:

1. Lemon Zest – 1 tablespoon (to add to the dough)
2. Lemon Extract – 1 teaspoon (for both the dough and the frosting)
3. Yellow Food Coloring – optional, for a vibrant lemon look

For a Chocolate Version:

1. Cocoa Powder – ½ cup (substitute for ½ cup of flour)
2. Mini Chocolate Chips – ½ cup (to mix into the dough)
3. Chocolate Frosting – Swap out vanilla frosting for chocolate frosting

For a Holiday-Themed Batch:

1. Peppermint Extract – 1 teaspoon (replace vanilla extract in the frosting)
2. Crushed Candy Canes – to sprinkle on top of the frosting
3. Red and Green Food Coloring – to make festive holiday designs

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, no worries! Here are some common substitutions and variations you can use:

• Butter: If you’re out of unsalted butter, salted butter works just as well—just be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
• Eggs: For an egg-free version, you can replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
• Vanilla Extract: You can swap out the vanilla for almond extract for a slightly different, nuttier flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Milk works just fine for the frosting if you don’t have heavy cream, though heavy cream makes for a thicker, creamier texture.

You can also change up the frosting colors and decorations to suit any occasion. From pastel pinks and purples for a birthday party to reds and greens for Christmas, the options are endless!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to create your frosted sugar cookie bars:

For the Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Spread Dough in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want the center to stay soft and chewy.
6. Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add in 2 tablespoons of cream or milk, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of cream.
3. Flavor and Color: Beat in the vanilla extract and, if desired, a few drops of food coloring.
4. Frost the Bars: Once the cookie base has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles or any additional toppings you like.

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

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven and prep your pan. This will ensure your dough doesn’t sit too long and your cookie bars bake evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar helps create air pockets in the dough, making the final cookie bars light and soft.
3. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix the dough just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the bars tough.
4. Even Dough Distribution: Press the dough into an even layer to ensure the bars bake uniformly.
5. Cool Completely: Let the cookie bars cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: The number one mistake is leaving the bars in the oven too long. Sugar cookie bars should be soft, so pull them out when the edges are just golden.
2. Under-Creaming the Butter and Sugar: Make sure to beat the butter and sugar thoroughly. This step is crucial for creating light, airy cookie bars.
3. Not Cooling Before Frosting: If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt, becoming runny and unappetizing.
4. Using Cold Butter: The butter for both the dough and frosting should be softened to ensure a smooth texture. Cold butter will make it hard to mix and result in denser bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your frosted sugar cookie bars are ready, it’s time to think about serving and presentation. Whether you're making these bars for a casual family dessert or an elegant gathering, presentation can make a big difference.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Cut Into Squares: After frosting, use a sharp knife to cut the cookie bars into even squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
2. Portion Sizes: Depending on the occasion, you can cut the bars into large squares for a more indulgent treat or smaller bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter.
3. Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: These bars can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on personal preference. Chilling them for 30 minutes can make the frosting set, giving them a firmer texture.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Use Themed Sprinkles: Change the sprinkles to fit your event—heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day, orange and black for Halloween, or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays.
2. Create Patterns with Frosting: For a fancy touch, use different colors of frosting to create swirls, stripes, or polka dots on the top.
3. Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries or edible flowers to the serving tray for an elegant touch.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

1. Freeze for Later: You can make these bars ahead of time and freeze them, either frosted or unfrosted. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
2. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
3. Change Up the Frosting Flavor: Add a little almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder to the frosting for a new twist.
4. Add Extra Flavor to the Dough: Mix in some sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts to the cookie dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make frosted sugar cookie bars ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cookie bars up to two days in advance. Just keep them covered and frost them on the day you plan to serve them.

2. How do I store frosted sugar cookie bars? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars? Absolutely! You can freeze the entire batch or individual bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

4. Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe doubles easily. You can use a larger pan or make two separate batches.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the beloved flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars. With the step-by-step guide provided, you’re equipped to create a batch that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly frosted. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family treat, a party, or a special occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations and tips for a personalized touch. Happy baking!

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