If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both festive and fuss-free, these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are about to steal your heart (and probably a spot in your regular baking rotation!). Imagine soft, pillowy sugar cookie bars topped with a cloud of buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles. They bring all the joy and nostalgia of classic sugar cookies but skip the extra work of rolling and cutting. Whether you’re hosting a party, brightening up a holiday table, or just looking for a sweet treat, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars deliver delicious results every single time.

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a role—creamy butter for richness, vanilla for warmth, and a trusty sprinkle of baking powder for just the right texture. Here’s what you need, plus a pro tip for getting the most flavor from each one:

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt—plus, softening ensures you get that ultra-smooth dough and fluffy frosting.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): This brings the signature sweetness and encourages those iconic cookie bar chewiness.
Large egg (1): The egg binds everything together and adds richness to the bars.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for bars, 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Don’t skimp—pure vanilla makes both the cookies and the frosting wonderfully aromatic.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): For soft, tender bars with just the right structure to hold all that luscious frosting.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny but mighty lift so your bars stay thick but never dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance out all the sweetness and deepen flavor.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): The classic base for fluffy buttercream frosting—pairs perfectly with cookie bars.
Milk or heavy cream (1-2 tablespoons): Adjust for that dreamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
Food coloring (optional): Have fun! Tint the frosting to match any occasion or mood.
Sprinkles: Go wild—sprinkles add festive color and a playful crunch to every bite.

How to Make Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a generous greasing. This small step makes slicing (and serving!) a total breeze, as the bars pop right out without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes a couple of minutes but it’s worth it—creaming creates that classic, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie texture that makes Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars irresistible.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s fully combined, so every bite is infused with the sweet, comforting warmth of vanilla (trust me, it’s the flavor backbone here!).

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly blend these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Don’t worry—the dough might seem thick, but that’s exactly what you want for bars that are soft yet sturdy enough for generous frosting.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Scoop the dough into your prepared pan. Gently press it into an even layer—clean hands or a spatula work wonders here. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a set center that still looks soft—don’t overbake if you crave tender, pillowy bars!

Step 6: Cool Completely

Resist the urge to frost right away! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This protects that delicate crumb and ensures your frosting won’t melt into a puddle.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting: Beat the softened butter until nice and smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and food coloring if you’re using it. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and gloriously spreadable. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over your cooled bars—swirls, waves, or a smooth finish, it’s all up to you. Finish with a shower of colorful sprinkles, then cut into perfect squares. Voila: Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a must for that classic look, but the options don’t stop there. Try edible glitter for extra sparkle, a dusting of finely grated white chocolate for a rich touch, or even a few dried edible flowers to make your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars look like a bakery masterpiece.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee. For something extra special at a party, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the standard tray! Serve Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars stacked in colorful cupcake liners for easy party grabs, or arrange them on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. For holidays, customize the frosting color and sprinkles to match your celebration theme—you’ll have instant, cheerful dessert décor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover bars into an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, consider the fridge to keep the frosting looking picture-perfect.

Freezing

If you want to save some to enjoy later, you can easily freeze Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a bar (or two) in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This softens the bar and brings the frosting back to life, making each bite taste as if you just baked them fresh.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! If using salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to keep flavors balanced without tipping into salty territory.

What’s the best way to get evenly sliced bars?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep edges neat and prevents the frosting from smearing.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a rimmed half-sheet pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, so check for those golden edges and set center.

How do I color the frosting without liquid food dye?

Gel food coloring works best for rich color without thinning your frosting, but you can also use freeze-dried fruit powder for a natural, subtle tint and a little extra flavor.

Are Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for decorating with kids?

Definitely! Kids love spreading frosting and going wild with sprinkles. Set up a decorating station with bowls of toppings and let everyone add their unique touch to each bar.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that never fails to please, give these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars a try. They come together quickly, taste amazing, and are endlessly customizable for any occasion—so invite some friends or little helpers, and get ready to share smiles and sprinkles!

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft and chewy cookie bars topped with a creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Bake: Press dough into pan and bake for 20–24 minutes until golden.
Make frosting: Beat butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
Frost and decorate: Spread frosting on cooled bars, top with sprinkles, and cut into squares.