Name: Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (281 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar; Food coloring (optional)

Sugar cookie bars with a delightful frosted twist have become my absolute go-to dessert for casual gatherings.

Soft, buttery textures melt perfectly in each delectable bite.

Homemade treats always spark more joy than store-bought alternatives.

These bars deliver sweet comfort without complicated preparation steps.

Quick mixing and minimal cleanup make this recipe a total winner for busy home bakers.

Simple ingredients from your pantry create magic in less than an hour.

Buckle up for a delicious adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual celebrations where you want a dessert that everyone will love and can easily serve.
Customize with Fun Flair: Personalize these bars by adding colorful sprinkles, changing frosting colors, or experimenting with different decorative touches that make each batch unique and exciting.
Beginner Baker Friendly: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can successfully master.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie base and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, buttery texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.

Liquid Ingredients:

Vanilla Extract, Milk: Enhance the flavor and provide moisture to the cookie dough.

Frosting Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and creamy frosting with the perfect sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base for the frosting and helps create a creamy consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic flavor to the frosting.

Decorative Ingredients:

Food Coloring, Sprinkles: Optional toppings that add color and festive flair to the cookie bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to the perfect temperature.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Gently fold in eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, blending until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the following dry ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Slowly incorporate these into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a consistent dough that’s not too thick or too thin.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

Carefully press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using your fingers or a spatula to create a smooth, uniform layer that will bake into delicious bars.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and the center looks set.

The bars should have a slight bounce when touched.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely.

This is crucial for creating the perfect texture and making frosting easier.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

In a clean bowl, blend together:

Softened butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Mix until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Decorate and Finish

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie bars.

Add a splash of color with food coloring or sprinkle with colorful decorations for extra fun.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the frosted bars into squares or rectangles.

Serve and watch everyone’s faces light up with delicious excitement!

Line the baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend slightly for easy removal of cookie bars.
Soften butter at room temperature and beat until light and fluffy for the smoothest texture and best cookie bar consistency.
Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense bars; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender results.
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even spread of the topping.
Customize with food coloring, sprinkles, or festive toppings to match seasons or special occasions, making the bars visually appealing and fun.

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Create sugar-free frosting with cream cheese and sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cookie bar batter before baking. Top with chocolate drizzle or chocolate buttercream frosting for extra indulgence.

Colorful Party Platter: Arrange these sugar cookie bars on a festive platter with different colored frostings for birthday parties or celebrations, creating a visually stunning dessert display.
Sweet Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with hot tea or coffee for a delightful midday treat, perfect for casual gatherings or relaxed family moments.
Dessert Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a cute ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends during holidays.
Kid-Friendly Decorating Station: Let children add their own sprinkles, food coloring, or creative toppings to personalize their sugar cookie bars, turning baking into a fun family activity.

Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Keep unrefrigerated bars in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they stay away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden, and the center will look set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

What's the best way to get clean, neat slices?

Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.