If you’re searching for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the nostalgic charm of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars, this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly tender and buttery, these bars boast a soft cream cheese-infused dough, kissed with vanilla and almond extracts for an unbeatable flavor profile. Then, topped with a luscious, fluffy buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of colorful fun, they transform any moment into a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert to impress and indulge in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, featuring simple yet essential ingredients that work together beautifully to create a tender cookie base and a dreamy frosting. Each component adds a unique touch, from the richness of cream cheese to the aromatic hint of almond extract, creating that irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
- 2½ cups flour (312 g): The foundation that gives our bars structure and the perfect tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough without losing that soft sugar-cookie texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give a subtle lift and lightness.
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 â…“ cups sugar (267 g): Provides the perfect level of sweetness for the cookie dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g): Adds richness and velvety texture to the dough.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients while adding moisture and tenderness.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient delivering a wonderfully soft and luscious bite.
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Brings deep, aromatic vanilla flavor to the bars.
- ½ tsp almond extract: Gives a subtle, fragrant note that makes these bars truly special.
- ½ cup butter, softened: For the frosting, creating a creamy and decadent finish.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Infuses each bite of frosting with warm vanilla notes.
- ¼ tsp almond extract: Adds just the right hint of nutty flavor to the frosting.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity in the frosting.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired): Makes the frosting light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
- Sprinkles for topping: Adds cheerful color and an extra touch of fun to your finished bars.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time the dough is ready. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, which helps the bars release easily later on and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the base of your cookie dough and evenly distributes leavening, so every bar turns out perfectly tender and fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Using an electric mixer on medium-high, beat softened butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the bars a lift and delicate crumb.
Then add the eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing just until everything is fully combined. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients on low speed and stir only until no flour streaks remain—overmixing can make the bars too dense. If you want to add sprinkles inside your bars, fold them in now for delightful colorful surprise bites!
Step 4: Press and Bake
Transfer the sticky dough to your prepared pan. Lightly oiling your hands or placing a sheet of parchment on top can help you press the dough evenly into the pan. Bake for 17 to 22 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the center remains soft—kind of like a brownie. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underdone inside.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars cool completely, whip the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, almond extract, and sea salt, mixing to combine. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then add heavy cream as needed for a fluffy, spreadable consistency. This frosting is what takes these sugar cookie bars to the next level of indulgence!
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting evenly on top. Sprinkle additional colorful sprinkles for a festive look and a bit of crunch. Let the frosting set slightly before slicing into 24 delicious bars, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the star garnish here, adding a joyful pop of color that makes these bars irresistible at any celebration. You could also try edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or even a light dusting of colored sugar crystals for something different and beautiful.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of tea or coffee, balancing out their sweetness. For a special touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered dessert tray at your next gathering to wow guests. Wrapping individual bars in parchment with a ribbon also makes for charming gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well preserves the softness of the bars and freshness of the frosting without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these beauties longer, you can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely before frosting to avoid condensation making the frosting slide off.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, but if you prefer warm, gently microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating with frosting already applied to keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works just fine and will still give your bars a lovely vanilla flavor, though vanilla bean paste has a slightly richer, more aromatic quality.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. Be sure to choose one designed for cookies to maintain that tender texture.
Can I omit the almond extract if I don’t have any?
Yes, almond extract is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor. If you omit it, consider increasing the vanilla slightly or adding a touch of lemon zest for a twist.
How thick should I spread the frosting on the cookie bars?
Feel free to be generous! A thick layer ensures every bite is moist and indulgent. Just make sure the bars are completely cool to prevent the frosting from melting.
What is the best way to cut the bars without breaking the frosting?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Cutting when the frosting is set but not overly hard helps maintain clean edges and a neat presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. With a tender, flavorful base wrapped in creamy frosting and topped with joyful sprinkles, it’s the perfect treat to brighten any occasion. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and share these lovely bars with your own friends and family — because good desserts are meant to be enjoyed together!
Print
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in classic Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars made with a soft cream cheese-infused cookie base and topped with a creamy vanilla almond buttercream frosting. These bars are easy to bake and perfect for sharing at parties or celebrations, featuring a tender, slightly gooey center and a festive sprinkle topping.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2½ cups flour (312 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- 1â…“ cups sugar (267 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1–2 Tbsp heavy cream (more as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the cookie bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and softened cream cheese to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. Gently fold in sprinkles with the last portion of dry ingredients if desired, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the sticky cookie dough evenly into the pan. To handle the dough more easily, lightly spray your hands with oil or use parchment paper laid atop the dough while pressing.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 17-22 minutes, until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The center may still seem slightly underbaked, but it will set as it cools. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla bean paste, sea salt, and almond extract, mixing to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until incorporated. Finally, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream and beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Adjust cream quantity as needed for spreading consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the buttercream evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for decoration if desired. Let the frosting set before cutting into squares for serving.
Notes
- The cookie dough will be sticky; lightly oiling your hands or pressing with parchment paper makes handling easier.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bars tender.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- You can customize the sprinkles to match any occasion or holiday theme.
- If you prefer, substitute vanilla bean paste with equal amounts of vanilla extract without affecting results.
