Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of soft, chewy sugar cookies topped with rich, creamy frosting, you'll absolutely love frosted sugar cookie bars! These delightful treats are everything you love about sugar cookies, but in an easy-to-make, bar form. With no need for rolling dough or cutting out shapes, sugar cookie bars are the perfect solution for when you're craving cookies but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Keep reading to discover how to make these delicious frosted sugar cookie bars and learn some tips for customizing and serving them.

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What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a simplified version of classic sugar cookies, made by pressing the dough into a pan and baking it into one large sheet. Once baked, the cookie dough is cut into bars and topped with a generous layer of frosting. These bars have the same soft and chewy texture as traditional sugar cookies, but they’re much quicker and easier to prepare.

Frosted sugar cookie bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. They’re easy to transport, can be made in advance, and can be customized with different frosting colors, flavors, and toppings to match the theme of your event.

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Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

Frosted sugar cookie bars are very versatile, and there are plenty of ways to modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or flavor preferences.

Substitutions:

• Butter: If you need a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based butter substitute. Make sure it has a high fat content to achieve the same soft and chewy texture.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help with the structure of the bars.
• Sugar: You can replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.

Variations:

• Flavored Frosting: Try adding different flavor extracts to your frosting, such as almond, lemon, or peppermint, to create a unique flavor profile. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting.
• Themed Colors: Use food coloring to match the frosting with the occasion. Pink or red for Valentine's Day, pastel shades for Easter, or bold colors for birthdays and celebrations.
• Toppings: In addition to sprinkles, you can top the frosting with mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or crushed candy for extra texture and flavor.
• Holiday-Inspired: Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a festive, spiced version during the holidays.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making frosted sugar cookie bars is straightforward, and with the following steps, you’ll be enjoying this sweet treat in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser texture.

Step 5: Press the Dough Into the Pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough evenly into the pan, making sure it reaches the edges and is an even thickness throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake the sugar cookie bars in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The center should still be soft, as the bars will continue to cook slightly while cooling. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can lead to dry bars.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once the cookie bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This is important to ensure the frosting goes on smoothly without melting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Continue beating on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream. If desired, mix in food coloring.

Step 9: Frost the Bars

Once the sugar cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula to create smooth, even strokes or add swirls for texture. If you’re using sprinkles or other toppings, sprinkle them over the frosting immediately before it sets.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut the frosted sugar cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size. Serve and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookie bars. The edges should be set, and the center should still be soft but not raw.
• Too Much Flour: Be sure to measure the flour properly using the spoon-and-level method (spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off). Too much flour can make the bars dense and dry.
• Not Allowing Bars to Cool: It’s tempting to frost the bars while they’re still warm, but this will cause the frosting to melt and become runny. Always wait until the bars are completely cool.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Frosted sugar cookie bars are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Serve these bars as part of a dessert platter, along with other cookies and treats. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, but can also be dressed up for special events. If you’re serving them at a party, arrange them on a tray with different colored frostings to create a vibrant display.

Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Color Themes: Match the frosting color and decorations to the theme of your event. For example, pastel colors for a baby shower, or red and green for Christmas.
2. Decorative Piping: For an extra touch, pipe decorative swirls or patterns on top of the bars using a piping bag and tip.
3. Sprinkles and Toppings: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for special occasions, or opt for edible glitter for a bit of sparkle.

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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, you can chill it for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This makes it easier to handle.
• Customize the Frosting: To create a marbled effect, use two different colors of frosting and swirl them together with a toothpick or knife.
• Store Properly: Frosted sugar cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If stacking them, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sugar cookie bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

2. Can I freeze frosted sugar cookie bars?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie bars (with or without the frosting). To freeze without frosting, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. If freezing with frosting, place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment paper to separate the layers.

3. How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?

To balance the sweetness of the frosting, add a pinch of salt or a little more vanilla extract. You can also experiment with adding cream cheese to the frosting for a tangy contrast.

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Conclusion

Frosted sugar cookie bars are a simple yet delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They offer the same delicious flavor and texture as classic sugar cookies, but without the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. With endless possibilities for customization, from colorful frostings to fun toppings, these bars can be adapted to fit any celebration or personal preference. Follow this recipe and tips, and you'll have a batch of irresistible, soft, and sweet frosted sugar cookie bars ready to enjoy!

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