Description
These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into a soft, chewy bar form and topped with creamy, smooth frosting. Perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat any day, they offer the familiar vanilla flavor with the convenience of bar cookies and optional vibrant decorating with food coloring and sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until combined, then gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Prepare for Baking: Press the cookie dough evenly into a prepared baking pan, spreading it out to form an even layer for consistent baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using a mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat the frosting until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring if desired to customize the appearance.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive finish. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add a little more heavy cream.
- Optional food coloring and sprinkles make these bars great for themed parties or holidays.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a slightly crispier edge, bake for a couple of extra minutes but watch carefully to prevent overbaking.
