If you're looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes as good as it looks, frosted sugar cookie bars are the way to go. These soft, chewy bars are topped with a thick layer of sweet, colorful frosting, making them an instant hit for parties, holiday gatherings, or simple family treats. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know to make the best frosted sugar cookie bars, from ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions. Keep reading to discover how to whip up this delicious dessert, and wow your friends and family with your baking skills!

What Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?
Frosted sugar cookie bars are a fun twist on classic sugar cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting out individual cookies, this recipe allows you to bake a large batch of cookie dough in a single pan, then slice it into squares or rectangles. The bars are then topped with rich, creamy frosting, which can be customized with different colors and decorations for any occasion. These bars are perfect for when you want all the taste of sugar cookies without the hassle of individual cookie preparation.
Ingredients List for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
To get started, gather the following ingredients. These basic items will come together to create a batch of soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet cookie bars.
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the dough and gives the bars their structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly to give the bars a soft, cake-like texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Assists with leavening and adds a little extra lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie flavor.
- 1 large egg – Provides moisture and helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – For a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – Adds moisture and helps keep the bars soft.
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – The base for the creamy frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Gives the frosting its sweetness and silky texture.
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk – Helps thin the frosting to the desired consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the frosting.
- Food coloring (optional) – Customize the frosting with your favorite colors.
- Sprinkles (optional) – For an extra festive touch.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for frosted sugar cookie bars is always a hit, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. This will ensure your bars are soft and chewy without the gluten.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk) in both the cookie dough and the frosting.
- Healthier Version: Swap out some of the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier treat. You can also reduce the amount of frosting or use a lighter cream cheese frosting.
- Flavor Variations: Add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor. You can also play around with the extracts, such as using maple or peppermint extract instead of vanilla or almond.
- Decorative Touches: Top the frosting with shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or edible glitter to create festive variations for holidays or special occasions.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to make these delicious frosted sugar cookie bars. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your cookie bars come out perfectly every time.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside for later use.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a tender, light texture in the finished bars.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. The almond extract is optional, but it adds a delightful extra layer of flavor to the bars.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This ingredient adds moisture and helps ensure the bars stay soft even after baking.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the bars tough.
7. Press the Dough Into the Pan
Transfer the dough into the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to evenly press the dough into the pan, making sure it reaches all the edges.
8. Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, then increase the speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cream to achieve your desired consistency. Mix in food coloring if desired.
10. Frost the Cooled Bars
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you're feeling festive, add sprinkles or other decorations to the frosting. Allow the frosting to set for about 15 minutes before slicing into bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry bars.
- Frosting While Warm: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before applying the frosting, or it will melt and slide off.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your frosted sugar cookie bars can take them from simple to stunning. Here are some ideas to make your dessert stand out:
How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- For Casual Gatherings: Cut the bars into large squares and serve them on a simple platter. Add colorful napkins for a fun, casual touch.
- For Special Occasions: Use a cookie cutter to cut the bars into festive shapes (like hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for the Fourth of July) before frosting. Serve on a tiered dessert tray for an elegant presentation.
- For Kids' Parties: Serve the bars with a side of small bowls filled with sprinkles, candy, or edible decorations so guests can customize their own.
Presentation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Color Themes: Tint the frosting to match a holiday or event. For example, use pastel colors for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or school colors for a graduation party.
- Decorative Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles or edible glitter to match your event. You can even use edible gold leaf for a more sophisticated look.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a fancier touch, drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the frosting.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: For a thicker, more structured bar, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cookie bars a day in advance and frost them the day of serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freeze for Later: These bars freeze well! Simply slice them, then wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store frosted sugar cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the bars after frosting them?
Yes, you can freeze the frosted bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you need a larger batch, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or two smaller pans.
What should I do if the frosting is too thick?
Add a tablespoon of cream or milk at a time until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Frosted sugar cookie bars are a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a birthday party, or just because, these soft and chewy bars topped with rich frosting will be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps, customizable frosting, and countless decoration options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your ingredients and get baking — your sweet tooth will thank you!
PrintFrosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust are a delightful dessert featuring a zesty lemon filling atop a buttery shortbread base. This recipe combines tart lemon juice and zest with a rich, crumbly crust for a balanced, refreshing treat. Perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust: All-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt
- For the filling: Lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread crust by combining flour, sugar, and butter. Press into the pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
- For the filling, whisk together lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and flour. Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool completely, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
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