Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick, and buttery with a smooth, creamy frosting—everything you love about classic sugar cookies without rolling, chilling, or cutting. This easy sugar cookie bar recipe is perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a foolproof dessert that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
- Frosting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ –2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring or sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Frosting
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk and vanilla.
- Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Spread evenly over cooled bars and decorate if desired.
Notes
- Bars should look slightly underbaked in the center for the softest texture.
- Always frost after completely cooling to prevent melting.
- For clean slices, chill briefly before cutting.