Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines the comforting taste of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar, look no further than these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. With a chewy texture, rich cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of colorful toppings, these bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence after a long day. Dive into the simplicity of baking with this recipe, and you’ll find yourself making these bars over and over again!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also deliver on flavor and presentation. The creamy frosting complements the soft, buttery cookie base, creating a heavenly combination that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Moreover, they are customizable with your favorite sprinkles or toppings, making them versatile enough for any event. Plus, they come together quickly—perfect for those last-minute dessert needs!

What You’ll Gather

To prepare these delightful bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups (312.5g) all-purpose flour – The base for your cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – For a little lift.
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda – To help the cookies rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors.
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – For richness and flavor.
• 4 ounces (113.4g) cream cheese, at room temperature – For the luscious frosting.
• 1 cup (300g) granulated sugar – To sweeten the batter.
• 1 egg – To bind the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that wonderful aroma and taste.
• 2 cups (300g) powdered sugar – For the frosting, adding sweetness and texture.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For the frosting as well.
• Rainbow sprinkles – To decorate and add a fun touch!

Hardware & Gadgets

Gather the following tools to make your baking process seamless:

• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
• Electric mixer – To whip the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Spatula – For scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl.
• Baking pan (9×13 inches) – To bake the bars.
• Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars from the pan.

The Method for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to create your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking process for your cookie bars.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Grease the parchment lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside as you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.

Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 7: Spread the Batter in the Pan

Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter across the bottom of the pan.

Step 8: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and remaining unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Step 11: Frost the Bars

Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Step 12: Decorate

Sprinkle your rainbow sprinkles over the frosted bars, adding a festive touch.

Step 13: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy the delightful taste of your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars!

Variations for Dietary Needs

If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, consider these variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
• Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar in the cookie base by half without compromising the texture much.
• Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter and cream cheese.

Learn from These Mistakes

Baking can be tricky, but learning from common mistakes can lead to perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars every time:

• Overmixing: Be cautious not to overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough bars.
• Not Cooling: Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
• Measuring Flour: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much flour.
• Underbaking: Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick; underbaked bars can be too gooey.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are great for meal prep or leftovers:

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them! Cut into squares and layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reader Q&A

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty bars.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer.

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

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance. Just wait to frost them until you’re ready to serve to keep the frosting fresh.

Serve & Enjoy

Once you’ve baked, frosted, and sliced your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy! These bars are perfect for sharing, and their vibrant appearance is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these bars will not disappoint. So grab your favorite beverage, take a bite, and revel in the deliciousness that is Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars!