Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the perfect sweet treat that’s both comforting and easy to make, you’re going to love this one. The Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe — it’s super simple, irresistibly soft, and loaded with that classic sugar cookie flavor topped with the creamiest frosting you can imagine. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to dessert for gatherings, afternoon snacks, or even when you just need a little pick-me-up in your day.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Butter mixed with shortening lends the bars a perfect texture, and almond extract gives that authentic sugar cookie essence. For that creamy frosting, confectioners sugar and a touch of heavy cream create a smooth spread you’ll want to savor. I always recommend using room temperature eggs and butter—it really helps everything combine evenly for the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps the dough whip up fluffy, while controlling salt lets you adjust to taste.
• Shortening: This ingredient keeps the bars soft and chewy, and balances the butter’s flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Classic sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking for that golden edge.
• Large Eggs: Using room temperature eggs makes mixing easier and improves texture.
• Almond Extract: Adds the signature sugar cookie flavor; if you’re out, vanilla extract works too.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure—make sure it’s measured correctly (fluffed and spooned) for perfect results.
• Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift for a tender crumb without puffing it up like a cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Confectioners Sugar: Powdered sugar creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (clear): Keeps the frosting bright white, though pure vanilla is fine if you don’t mind a slight tint.
• Festive Sprinkles: The cherry on top—choose colors to match your occasion or mood!

Variations

I love how versatile this Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. The classic base holds up well to creative spins, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Flavor Swap: I once replaced almond extract with lemon extract to give the bars a bright, citrusy kick that my friends adored.
• Frosting Flavors: Try swapping vanilla for peppermint extract around the holidays—your guests will rave about the fresh twist.
• Dietary Tweaks: For a dairy-free version, I’ve had success substituting the butter in the bars and frosting with coconut oil and using a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Sprinkle Fun: Seasonal sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts make the bars festive and tailor-made for celebrations.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides so I can easily lift the bars out after baking. Having your eggs and butter at room temperature really makes creaming the dough a breeze, so take them out ahead of time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Sugar

Using a mixer, whip together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed. I discovered this step is crucial because it traps air in the dough, helping the bars turn out tender instead of dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. When you add the second egg, pour in the almond extract too and mix until incorporated. Almond extract really elevates the flavor and gives these bars their signature sugar cookie taste, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then gently add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the bars tough, so I recommend stopping as soon as you don’t see any more flour.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Golden

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until the edges and top start to lightly brown. Here’s a trick I learned: insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If it’s dry, the bars might be overbaked, so keep a close eye near the end.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Frosting

While the bars cool completely (this is key!), whip the butter, confectioners sugar, heavy cream, and clear vanilla extract using a paddle attachment or hand mixer. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable—add extra heavy cream a tablespoon at a time if you want it thinner. I always start with less and watch the consistency to avoid a runny mess.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top and sprinkle your festive decorations. I love using colorful sprinkles—they bring a festive pop and make these bars irresistible, especially around holidays or parties.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to classic rainbow sprinkles because they add that perfect pop of color and crunch to the creamy frosting. Sometimes, I switch it up with festive seasonal mixes—red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or even edible glitter for birthdays. It’s such an easy way to personalize the bars and make them feel special.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat. If you’re serving at a party or brunch, fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait on the side balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like cutting the bars into little fingers and serving them on decorative trays or tiered dessert stands. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes cute party favors. You could even layer bars and frosting in a clear dessert dish for a deconstructed, rustic look that gets compliments every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, which keeps the texture spot-on soft and the frosting fresh. If I need to keep them longer, they do great in the refrigerator for up to four days, but I let them come to room temp before serving so the frosting softens back up.

Freezing

One time, I froze these bars without frosting for a party I planned ahead for. I wrapped individual bars tightly in plastic, then placed them in a freezer-safe container—they kept well for about three months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature before frosting, and they taste just as fresh as day one.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a bar or two, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) works great. Just be careful not to melt the frosting too much—warming for too long can make it a bit runny. Letting them sit out for a bit before serving helps the flavors really shine through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sugar Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting Recipe delivers that perfect balance of buttery softness and sweet, creamy topping without any complicated steps. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how much joy it brought my family with every bite. Whether you’re a novice baker or just short on time, this recipe is a total winner that’s guaranteed to get rave reviews. Grab your mixing bowl, and I promise you’ll be smiling (and snacking) in no time!

Print