Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're craving a sweet, buttery treat that melts in your mouth, you're in the right place. Frosted sugar cookie bars combine the soft texture of sugar cookies with the creamy decadence of frosting, making them the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this easy recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and presentation ideas.

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a delightful dessert made by baking a simple sugar cookie dough in a pan and then topping it with a generous layer of frosting once cooled. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are shaped individually, these bars are much quicker to make since you bake the dough as a whole and then cut it into squares or bars. The frosting layer adds an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess, turning a classic cookie into a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of these delicious cookie bars. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, making this recipe a breeze to prepare any time.

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Substitutions and Variations

The great thing about frosted sugar cookie bars is their versatility. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

1. Butter Substitutes: If you're out of butter, you can use margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the cookie base. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
3. Frosting Flavors: Vanilla frosting is classic, but you can experiment with other flavors. Try almond extract for a nutty twist, or lemon extract for a fresh, zesty flavor.
4. Dairy-Free Frosting: Substitute the butter in the frosting with a plant-based alternative and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
5. Mix-Ins: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts into the dough before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the baking process. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make your frosted sugar 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 later.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

4. Press Dough Into Pan:

Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared 9x13-inch pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to smooth it out so the dough is evenly distributed.

5. Bake:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; you want the bars to remain soft and chewy in the center.

6. Cool Completely:

Once the cookie bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

How to Make Frosting for Sugar Cookie Bars

While your cookie bars cool, you can prepare the frosting. Here’s how to make a smooth, creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie base.

1. Beat Butter:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

2. Add Powdered Sugar:

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until combined.

3. Add Vanilla and Cream:

Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk), and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you want colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until fully incorporated.

4. Frost the Cookie Bars:

Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Add sprinkles on top if you’re feeling festive!

5. Slice and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to cut the frosted cookie bars into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making frosted sugar cookie bars, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

1. Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough, dense cookie bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender texture.
2. Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy.
3. Frosting Too Soon: Always wait until the cookie bars have completely cooled before adding the frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
4. Cutting Before Frosting Sets: After frosting the bars, let the frosting set for a few minutes before cutting them to ensure clean, neat slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted sugar cookie bars are versatile and can be served for various occasions. Whether it's a family gathering or a festive holiday party, these bars can be dressed up or down depending on the presentation. Here are a few serving and presentation tips:

1. Party Platters: Arrange the cookie bars on a large platter, and alternate frosting colors or add different sprinkles to make the display more vibrant.
2. Gift Giving: Wrap individual cookie bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a cute homemade gift idea.
3. Holiday-Themed Decorations: Customize the frosting color and sprinkles to match the season or holiday. For example, use red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted sugar cookie bars can be served as they are, or you can get creative with how you present them. Here are some fun ideas for serving:

1. With Ice Cream: Serve a bar with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
2. Cookie Bar Sandwiches: Slice the cookie bars in half horizontally and sandwich a layer of ice cream or whipped cream between two layers for a fun twist.
3. Mini Cookie Bites: For a party, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter for easy finger food.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Want to take your frosted sugar cookie bars to the next level? Here are some creative ideas for presenting them:

1. Layered Dessert Jars: Crumble the cookie bars into small pieces and layer them with whipped cream and fruit in mason jars for a beautiful layered dessert.
2. Stacked Bars: Stack the bars on a tiered cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece at parties or events.
3. Decorative Drizzle: After frosting the bars, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for added flair and flavor.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe Tips

To make sure your frosted sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps ensure even mixing and a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want extra thick and chewy bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Add Sprinkles Before Baking: For a fun texture, you can also add sprinkles directly into the dough before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars? Yes! You can freeze the cookie bars, with or without the frosting. If freezing frosted bars, allow the frosting to set completely before stacking them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

2. Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely. You can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or any other favorite frosting in place of the vanilla frosting.

3. How long do these bars last? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to a week.

Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, chewy base and creamy frosting top, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these bars are easy to make and fun to customize. Follow this guide for foolproof results, and enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends!

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