Sugar Cookie Bars — Soft, Frosted, and Full of Joy
Introduction
There is a certain kind of comfort that only baking can give: the scent of butter and vanilla weaving through the house, the hush of flour dusted on little eager hands, and the first bite of a warm, chewy bar that tastes like a hug. These Sugar Cookie Bars are that feeling made edible — buttery cookie base, pillowy frosting, and a sparkle of sprinkles if you like a festive finish. Whether you are making them for a family dinner dessert, a school bake sale, or a cozy night in, Sugar Cookie Bars feel like tradition folded into an easy recipe that everyone will reach for. If you love exploring cookie variations, you might also enjoy this delectable chocolate chip cookie recipe which shares the same homey spirit.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars
- They hit that comforting food spot — buttery, soft, and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Family favorite: kids and adults will both be first to reach for a second square.
- Versatile and festive: swap colors and sprinkles for holidays or stick to a classic for everyday joy.
- Quick payoff: this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
- Crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, and gift boxes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — gives a rich, tender crumb.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar — balances sweetness and texture.
- 1 large egg, room temperature — binds the dough and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — floral, warm flavor that defines these bars.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — creates that classic sugar cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder — a touch of lift for a soft bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — enhances flavor without being salty.
- For the frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Sprinkles (optional) — for a playful, festive finish.
Substitutions:
- Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option and adjust frosting consistency as needed.
- Whole wheat pastry flour will make them a slightly heartier, healthier option while keeping tenderness.
- Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nostalgic twist.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 18–22 minutes
- Total time: 35–40 minutes
Quick note: these bars are ready faster than takeout sweet treats, but the smell that fills your kitchen makes them feel like they took a labor of love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy — the rhythm of your mixer should be steady, and the mixture will smell buttery and sweet.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until glossy and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms. It will feel tender and slightly sticky.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan; the simple act of smoothing it out will be strangely satisfying. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan while you make the frosting: beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or vanilla as desired.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars with a spatula and add sprinkles or a light dusting of sanding sugar for sparkle. Slice into squares and serve.
Tips and Variations
- For a festive meal, tint the frosting with gel food coloring for themed parties.
- Add lemon zest to the dough or frosting for a bright, fresh note.
- Make them into a healthier option by using applesauce for half the butter — texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Turn them into an indulgent dessert bar by sandwiching a layer of jam or Nutella before baking.
- If you love cookie lore and ideas, try these delightful ways to enjoy Toll House chocolate chip cookies for inspiration on customization.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sugar Cookie Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pack them in seasonal tins for gifting. They pair beautifully with a simple hot cocoa or a bright cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, place a tray of bars alongside fruit and a coffee station to create a cozy, celebratory table. If you are serving at a savory dinner, balance the sweetness with a main like brown sugar garlic chicken for a comforting, homey menu that feels both special and familiar.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days — the frosting will stay soft and inviting.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week if your kitchen is warm; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw, then frost before serving for the freshest result.
- Make-ahead: Bake the bars a day in advance, frost on the day you plan to serve, and sprinkle just before guests arrive.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen
- Don’t overbake — pull the bars when the center is just set; carryover heat will finish them and keep them soft.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and a luxuriously tender crumb.
- For a perfectly smooth frosting, sift powdered sugar before mixing to avoid lumps.
- If your frosting is too stiff, add milk a teaspoon at a time until spreadable; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan with lightly floured fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup for flawless edges.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes — substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend lacks it; texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Q: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Absolutely. The bars are delightful plain or simply dusted with powdered sugar. Frosting elevates them to party-ready, but they are still comforting without it.
Q: How thin or thick should I slice them?
A: Aim for about 2-inch squares for a classic treat size. Thicker slices feel more cookie-like; thinner slices are perfect for nibbling.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes — if you use salted butter, reduce added salt in the dough by half to keep the balance right.
Conclusion
These Sugar Cookie Bars are more than a recipe; they are a comforting ritual — simple enough for a spontaneous bake and special enough for celebrations. I love how a single pan can make a whole house feel more like home. If you are ready to try a trusted version and compare notes, you can explore the original inspiration in this frosted sugar cookie bars recipe that celebrates the same joyful, frosted goodness. Share a pan, make new memories, and let these bars become part of your kitchen stories.
Contents
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Gives a rich, tender crumb.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar Balances sweetness and texture.
- 1 large egg, room temperature Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Floral, warm flavor that defines these bars.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Creates that classic sugar cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder A touch of lift for a soft bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor without being salty.
For the Frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar For a sweet, creamy topping.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Provides a rich base for the frosting.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk To reach a spreadable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla For flavor.
- to taste sprinkles (optional) For a playful, festive finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until glossy and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan while you make the frosting.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and add sprinkles or a dusting of sanding sugar for sparkle. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest