If you’re craving the classic flavor of sugar cookies but want something even easier and more shareable, these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are an absolute dream. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a cloud of creamy vanilla frosting, finished with a cheerful scattering of sprinkles. They’re a crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or just because, and the best part is you don’t need to roll, chill, or cut out dough. This is the ultimate shortcut to bakery-style cookie bars—with all the nostalgia and none of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars lies in a handful of tried-and-true ingredients. Each one brings something essential—whether it’s rich flavor, tender texture, or that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and creates that irresistibly soft, tender crumb both in the bars and the frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps them bake up with a lovely, delicate texture.
- Egg & egg yolk: The combination adds both structure and extra richness, making every bite deliciously chewy.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars and frosting with warm, classic flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the bars tender.
- Baking powder: Gives just the right amount of lift for cookie bars that are soft but not cakey.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar: Whips into the frosting for a smooth, fluffy finish.
- Milk or heavy cream: Loosens the frosting so it’s perfectly spreadable and creamy.
- Food coloring (optional): Adds festive color to the frosting for any occasion—totally up to you!
- Sprinkles (optional): The crowning touch for a playful and celebratory look.
How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This little step makes it a breeze to lift out and cut your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars later—no sticking, no mess!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This not only blends the ingredients but also builds that soft, tender texture these bars are famous for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and the extra yolk, then pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and fully combined. That extra yolk is your secret weapon for rich, chewy bars!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be thick but easy to spread—don’t over-mix or you’ll lose that perfect texture.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and press it out evenly to the edges. Bake for 18–22 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges and a set center. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before moving to the next step—patience pays off here!
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, two tablespoons of milk or cream, and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if you want a softer spread. Feeling festive? Add a few drops of food coloring!
Step 7: Frost, Decorate, and Slice
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars, swirling it right to the corners. Top with sprinkles for a pop of color and fun. Once set, lift out the bars and cut into squares. There you have it—Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars ready to wow any crowd!
How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A generous shower of colorful sprinkles is the classic finish, but don’t stop there! Try edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or themed decorations to match your party. The frosting is the perfect canvas for your creativity, making each batch of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars feel special.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on any dessert table, but they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a glass of cold milk. For a party platter, serve alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or other bite-size treats for a sweet, balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or stack them in colorful boxes for gifting. Arrange them on a tiered tray for a festive centerpiece, or serve in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats. However you serve them, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then stack them with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
No need to reheat these bars, as they’re meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve been refrigerated or frozen, let them sit out for 20–30 minutes to soften the frosting and bring back that perfect, soft texture.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and bake the dough in two 9×13-inch pans, or use a larger sheet pan if you have one. Just keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness around the edges and center.
What’s the best way to get neat, clean slices?
Wait until the bars and frosting are completely cool, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra tidy edges, you can chill the pan briefly before slicing.
Can I make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Check that your baking powder and sprinkles are gluten-free as well for a safe and delicious treat.
How can I customize the colors and decorations?
The sky’s the limit! Tint the frosting with gel or liquid food coloring, and swap the sprinkles to match any holiday, birthday, or celebration theme. Try pastel colors for spring, red and green for Christmas, or your team’s colors for game day.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can! While homemade frosting is especially creamy and flavorful, a good-quality store-bought vanilla frosting works in a pinch. Just spread it on once the bars are cool and finish with your favorite sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
If you love the cozy, nostalgic taste of sugar cookies but want something quick and foolproof, you’ll adore these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re festive, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. I hope you’ll give them a spot in your dessert rotation—don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!
Print
Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and simple treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy vanilla frosting that can be customized with your favorite colors and sprinkles. Ideal for parties, holidays, or any time you crave a classic sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with your hands or a spatula for an even thickness.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown and the center is set but not browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy. Add extra milk a little at a time if necessary to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Decorate the Bars: If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve and Store: Cut into 24 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Notes
- Customize frosting colors and sprinkles to suit holidays or parties for a personalized touch.
- Ensure cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep longer.
- For softer bars, slightly underbake and cool in the pan before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
