If you’re dreaming of soft, buttery cookies topped with a fluffy cloud of vanilla frosting, these Sugar Cookie Bars are about to win your heart. They’re everything you love about classic sugar cookies, but so much easier—the perfect dessert for celebrations, gatherings, or an afternoon treat when you just need a bit of sweetness in your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Rolling or Cutting Needed: Skip the most tedious step and enjoy thick, tender Sugar Cookie Bars—just press into a pan and bake!
- Thick, Buttery Perfection: Every bite delivers that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of traditional sugar cookies, but in bar form.
- Luscious Vanilla-Almond Frosting: A dreamy, fluffy topping that makes these bars party-worthy, bake sale-ready, and totally irresistible.
- Ultra Customizable: Sprinkles, colors, or extracts—make these bars your own for any season or celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Sugar Cookie Bars use pantry basics, but each ingredient brings something essential to the party. From creamy butter to aromatic extracts, every component helps create that irresistible flavor, soft bite, and bakery-fresh appearance.
- Butter (softened): This is the secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor—don’t skimp!
- Granulated Sugar: The foundation of sweetness and those signature crisp edges.
- Egg: Adds structure and a touch of richness so every bar is perfectly chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: Deep, classic vanilla flavor anchors both the bars and the frosting.
- Almond Extract: This little splash is a game-changer, adding a subtle, aromatic twist.
- All Purpose Flour (fluffed): Fluffing gives the bars lightness and ensures accurate measuring for soft, tender results.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to give a gentle lift without making the bars cakey.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the pan.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates an airy, smooth frosting that’s easy to spread thickly.
- Milk: Brings the frosting to the perfect creamy consistency for swirling or piping.
- Sprinkles (optional): The finishing touch for extra color and fun—totally customizable!
Variations
One of the best things about Sugar Cookie Bars is how easy they are to personalize. You can adjust the flavors, colors, or toppings to fit any occasion—let your imagination (or pantry!) be your guide.
- Citrus Twist: Add fresh lemon or orange zest to the dough or frosting for a bright, tangy note.
- Dye the Frosting: Mix in a drop or two of gel food coloring to match your party or holiday theme.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for all-purpose flour for a wheat-free version.
- Switch Up the Sprinkles: Use holiday or seasonal sprinkles for a festive touch, or swap them for mini chocolate chips for a fun surprise.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. A quick spritz of nonstick spray over the paper makes removal a total breeze—and means you can lift out the bars easily for neat cutting later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
With your stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is super light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Trust me, this step is key for that signature soft, almost meltaway crumb in your Sugar Cookie Bars.
Step 3: Mix In Eggs and Extracts
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape the sides of the bowl so everything is evenly incorporated, then mix again briefly to unify the batter. The almond extract gives the bars that extra “wow, what is that?” flavor everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Pour in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined—a few streaks of flour are okay. The dough will look a bit crumbly, but if you grab and squeeze a handful, it should hold its shape.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and press it evenly into all the corners. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges just start to turn a gorgeous golden brown (the center should look pale but set). Let them cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 3 tablespoons of milk, mixing well, then add more for a soft, spreadable consistency. This frosting truly takes Sugar Cookie Bars to the next level!
Step 7: Frost, Garnish, and Serve
Once the bars are fully cooled, generously spread on the frosting and top with your favorite sprinkles. Lift everything out using the parchment paper and slice into neat squares—then watch your friends and family swoon!
Pro Tips for Making Sugar Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Butter: For truly creamy dough and luscious frosting, make sure your butter is fully softened before you start—this ensures easy mixing and a consistent crumb.
- Don’t Overbake! The trick for ultra-soft Sugar Cookie Bars is to pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden—the centers will set as they cool, staying beautifully tender.
- Parchment Power: Lining your pan with parchment paper (with some overhang) makes it super easy to lift out and cut perfect squares without any crumbling.
- Frost Only When Cooled: Letting the bars cool completely before frosting prevents melty messes and helps the frosting stay thick, swirly, and gorgeous!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
The classic choice is a shower of colorful sprinkles (the more, the merrier!), but you can also top these bars with sanding sugar, edible glitter, or even a swoop of tinted frosting for special occasions. No matter what you pick, those bright toppings always give Sugar Cookie Bars an undeniable party vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sugar Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk, a cup of cocoa, or even fresh berries for a sweet-and-refreshing combo. At a party or potluck, these bars are fabulous friends to lemonades, fruit punch, or a big bowl of fresh fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, slice bars into shapes using cookie cutters (hearts for Valentine’s, trees for Christmas), serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing, or arrange neatly on a festive platter with different colored sprinkles. They also make adorable edible gifts—just wrap in cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Sugar Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay delightfully soft for up to 3 days. If it’s especially warm or humid, you can pop them in the fridge with a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Yes, Sugar Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Once frosted, let the bars set, then wrap each square in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag. They’ll stay yummy for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to treat yourself.
Reheating
You really don’t need to reheat these bars, but if you prefer that “just baked” coziness, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave (unwrapped) softens and revives any leftovers perfectly—just be sure not to melt the frosting!
FAQs
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Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars without almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract adds a lovely bakery-style aroma, but if you don’t have any (or have an allergy), you can simply add an extra splash of vanilla or use another extract like lemon or coconut for a new twist.
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How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The trick is to watch for the edges to look golden brown while the center remains pale but set. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the softest texture.
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Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes! Just use two pans or a larger rimmed baking sheet, making sure to spread the dough evenly. Watch the baking time carefully, as a bigger batch may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
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Should I frost the bars before or after cutting?
It’s easier (and neater!) to frost the whole slab first, then use a long knife to slice into bars. This way, the frosting stays smooth and your sprinkles won’t tumble off during cutting.
Final Thoughts
If you love classic desserts with a modern shortcut, give these Sugar Cookie Bars a try—they truly bring joy to any table, and the process is almost as sweet as the results. Share a tray, surprise someone, or savor a square just for you. Happy baking!
Print
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Sugar Cookie Bars. These soft and chewy bars topped with a creamy frosting are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookie bars-
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, fluffed*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the frosting-
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles, if desired, for decoration
Instructions
- For the cookie bars- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add dry ingredients and mix. Spread dough in dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
- For the frosting- Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add milk to reach desired consistency. Spread over cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles. Cut and serve.
Notes
- Fluffing the flour means to aerate it before measuring.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
