Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Who can resist the soft, chewy goodness of frosted sugar cookie bars? They combine the classic taste of sugar cookies with the ease of bar-style baking, and when topped with a rich layer of frosting, they become the ultimate dessert. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering, birthday party, or simply craving something sweet, these frosted sugar cookie bars are sure to be a hit! Keep reading to learn the full recipe, tips, variations, and more to ensure your frosted sugar cookie bars turn out perfect every time.

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are essentially soft, buttery sugar cookies baked in a bar form, topped with a thick layer of creamy frosting. They capture all the flavors of traditional sugar cookies but without the hassle of rolling out dough and cutting out shapes. The result? A deliciously soft cookie bar topped with sweet, customizable frosting that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the sugar cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended for flavor depth)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredients List for Frosting

To top the bars, you’ll also need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the joys of baking is the flexibility it offers, and this recipe is no exception. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try to suit your tastes and dietary needs:

• Butter: If you're dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil will impart a slight coconut flavor to the bars.
• Almond extract: If you're not a fan of almond extract, simply omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract.
• Flour: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Frosting: Add cocoa powder to the frosting to create a chocolate version. You could also use a cream cheese frosting for added tang and richness.
• Toppings: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
• Colors and Themes: You can dye the frosting to fit any holiday or occasion. For instance, red and green for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or vibrant orange for Halloween.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars can be easily lifted out after baking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and continue mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is combined and a soft dough forms.

4. Press the Dough into the Pan

Once the dough is ready, press it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread the dough into an even layer. Make sure the corners aren’t too thin, as they can bake faster than the rest of the bars.

5. Bake the Bars

Bake the sugar cookie bars in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake, as they’ll become dry. The center should be soft and lightly set.

6. Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting. You can speed this process up by placing the pan in the refrigerator.

7. Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the ½ cup softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Add food coloring, if desired.

8. Frost the Bars

Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Make sure the frosting reaches the edges for full coverage.

9. Decorate and Serve

Add sprinkles or other decorations of your choice. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

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

• Step 1: Gather and prep all your ingredients.
• Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan.
• Step 3: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Step 4: Mix in the egg and extracts.
• Step 5: Whisk together dry ingredients, then gradually mix them into the wet mixture.
• Step 6: Press the dough into the pan and bake.
• Step 7: Let the bars cool, then prepare the frosting.
• Step 8: Frost, decorate, and cut into bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Sugar cookie bars should be soft and chewy, so be sure not to overbake. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to lightly brown.
• Uneven dough distribution: When pressing the dough into the pan, ensure it’s spread evenly. If the corners are too thin, they may overcook, while the center stays underbaked.
• Frosting while warm: Make sure the bars are completely cool before adding the frosting. Frosting on warm bars will melt and create a gooey mess.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to frosted sugar cookie bars. Whether you're serving them at a party or wrapping them up as gifts, a little attention to detail can go a long way.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Cut into uniform pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares or rectangles for a neat and professional look.
• Warm or chilled: These bars can be served at room temperature, but some people enjoy them slightly chilled, especially during warm weather.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• Holiday-themed frosting: Use different colors of frosting for specific holidays (red and green for Christmas, pink for Valentine's Day, etc.). You can even add festive sprinkles to match the occasion.
• Gift packaging: These bars make excellent gifts. Wrap them individually in clear plastic and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet, homemade present.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature before you start baking. This ensures a smoother batter and even mixing.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars keep well for several days, so you can bake them a day or two in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve them.

2. Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted bars or the fully frosted bars. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if you’re baking for a large crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker bars may need a few extra minutes.

4. What type of sprinkles should I use?
Feel free to use any sprinkles you like! Nonpareils, jimmies, or shaped sprinkles all work well and add a fun, decorative touch.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining simplicity with irresistible flavor. Easy to customize with different frostings and decorations, these bars can be tailored for holidays, birthdays, or just an afternoon treat. With this recipe, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create soft, delicious frosted sugar cookie bars that everyone will love. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet results!

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