Name: Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; Food coloring; Sprinkles

Sugar cookie bars with a luscious buttercream frosted sugar cookie bars recipe create the ultimate sweet treat for any celebration.

These delectable bars melt in your mouth with pure sugary bliss.

Soft, tender, and beautifully decorated, they promise a delightful dessert experience.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of buttery cookie and creamy frosting.

Home bakers love how simple these bars are to prepare compared to traditional cut-out cookies.

The recipe comes together quickly and yields a crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears in moments.

Bring these irresistible bars to your next gathering and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure joy.

Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy bakers who want delicious treats without complex steps, this recipe requires minimal preparation and basic kitchen skills.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Soft, sweet bars appeal to all ages, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual celebrations where everyone craves something delightful.
Customizable Creativity: Easily personalize these sugar cookie bars with different frosting colors, sprinkles, or extract variations to match any theme or holiday mood.
Stress-Free Baking: No complicated rolling or cutting required – simply press dough into pan, bake, and frost for a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and texture to the cookie bars.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, light texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden-brown color.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bar’s structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cookie bars.
Almond Extract: Offers a subtle, nutty undertone to complement the vanilla.

Frosting Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy frosting base with a rich flavor.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect spreadable frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic sweetness to the frosting.
Food Coloring, Sprinkles: Optional decorative elements for visual appeal.

Step 1: Prep the Baking Space

Get your oven warming to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your cookie bars.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together these key dry ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Blend until perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a separate large bowl, whip softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This process creates a rich, smooth foundation for your bars.

Gently add eggs one at a time, then pour in vanilla and almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until everything is just combined.

Don’t overmix – this keeps the bars tender and soft.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Base

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Look for lightly golden edges as your signal that they’re perfectly done.

Remove and let cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter and powdered sugar until silky smooth.

Add vanilla and milk, adjusting liquid to create a spreadable consistency.

The frosting should be light and easy to spread.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie base.

For extra fun, add food coloring or sprinkle with colorful decorations.

Slice into squares and enjoy your homemade treats!

Use real butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh eggs for the most delicious and rich flavor profile.
Let the baked bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, smooth frosting layer.
Add milk gradually to create the perfect spreadable texture, avoiding a runny or too-thick frosting.
Experiment with different food coloring, sprinkles, or seasonal decorations to make the bars festive and fun.
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft, sweet texture.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan butter and powdered sugar.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking for extra richness and a classic flavor combination.
Lemon Zest Sugar Cookie Bars: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy variation that brings refreshing notes to the classic recipe.

Sweet Party Platter: Arrange these bars on a colorful serving tray with different sizes and add festive sprinkles for birthday celebrations or holiday gatherings.
Cookie Bar Dessert Station: Create a DIY dessert bar with these sugar cookie bars alongside other treats like brownies and mini cupcakes for guests to enjoy multiple sweet options.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with hot tea or coffee as a delightful midday snack, perfect for casual get-togethers or quiet moments of relaxation.
Gift-Worthy Treat: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons as homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or friends during special occasions.

Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain frosting quality.
Wrap uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep unfrosted bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Add frosting just before serving to maintain freshness.
Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extract?

The combination adds depth of flavor, but you can use just vanilla extract if you prefer or don’t have almond extract on hand.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The bars should look slightly underbaked in the middle, as they’ll continue to set while cooling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

These cookie bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for advance party planning or meal prep.

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
Developing easy single-serving recipes
Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.