Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy sugar cookie, only to discover it’s been transformed into an irresistible bar, generously topped with a creamy frosting and a sprinkle of joy. That’s the magic of Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! Easy to make and delightful to share, these bars are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. The best part? They’re made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand, ensuring that you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are not only visually stunning with their colorful sprinkles, but they also deliver on taste and texture. Here’s what makes them a must-try:

– Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
– Soft and Chewy: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
– Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavors and decorations to fit any occasion or mood.
– Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or just sharing with friends and family.

The Ingredient Lineup

To make these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups (312.5g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170.25g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 ounces (113.4g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
• 2 cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Rainbow sprinkles, for decorating

Equipment Breakdown

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar into a fluffy mixture.
• Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for these bars.
• Spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly over the bars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: From Prep to Plate

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for baking the bars evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 6: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Bars

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Step 11: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars using a spatula.

Step 12: Add a Splash of Color

Top the frosted bars with rainbow sprinkles for that extra festive touch.

Step 13: Cut and Serve

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the compliments as they disappear!

Dietary Customizations

If you want to customize your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, consider these options:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar by 25% without significantly affecting the texture.
• Flavor Variations: Add almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Mistakes That Ruin Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough bars instead of soft ones.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements are crucial for the right texture.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly for even baking.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting warm bars will result in a melty mess instead of a beautiful finish.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:

• Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the bars before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: If you prefer them warm, simply microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds.

Common Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance, and they will stay fresh. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different toppings besides sprinkles?

Yes! Feel free to top the frosting with chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even fresh fruit for a unique twist.

Cook This Next

If you loved these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chewy Brownies
• Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Peanut Butter Blondies

Next Steps

Now that you have the recipe for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag your friends. Baking is always more fun when shared, and these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Happy baking!