The Ultimate Guide to Soft & Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Discover how to make the easiest, softest, and chewiest sugar cookie bars, topped with a luscious, sweet buttercream frosting. A perfect treat for any occasion, simplifying your baking without sacrificing flavor!
Frosted Sugar Cookies hold a special place in many hearts, often bringing back cherished memories of holidays and family gatherings. In my home, they are consistently one of the most requested desserts, a festive staple during December for Christmas, but equally welcomed year-round. There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic sugar cookie with its sweet, soft bite and creamy frosting.
However, the traditional process of making sugar cookies can be quite time-consuming. Rolling out the dough, meticulously cutting out individual shapes, and then baking tray after tray can feel like a significant undertaking, especially when you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert solution. This is precisely where these incredible sugar cookie bars come into play, making life in the kitchen so much simpler and more enjoyable!
These sugar cookie bars offer all the delightful flavor and irresistible chewiness of classic sugar cookies but in a convenient, fuss-free bar format. Instead of individual cut-outs, you spread the dough into a single pan, bake, and then slice. It’s an absolute game-changer for busy bakers or anyone who loves a delicious treat without the extra effort. The soft, buttery cookie base pairs perfectly with a generous layer of sweet, creamy buttercream frosting, making every bite pure bliss.
Why These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Will Become Your New Favorite
- Incredibly Easy: Forget the rolling pin and cookie cutters! This recipe streamlines the sugar cookie process into a simple pan-bake, saving you time and effort.
- Perfectly Soft and Chewy: Our recipe guarantees bars that are wonderfully soft in the middle with delightfully chewy edges, a texture that’s often hard to achieve with traditional cookies.
- Delicious Buttercream Frosting: Topped with a homemade buttercream that’s rich, sweet, and perfectly spreadable, it complements the cookie base beautifully.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Easily customize with different sprinkles, food coloring, or flavor extracts to match any holiday, party, or celebration.
- Great for Crowds: A single batch yields 24 servings, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or large family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance, either as baked bars or unbaked dough, to enjoy fresh-baked goodness whenever you desire.
How To Make Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these delectable sugar cookie bars is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to ensure your bars turn out perfectly soft and delicious every time:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar in an electric mixer. This crucial step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy base. Continue mixing on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is visibly pale and airy. This texture contributes significantly to the bars’ softness.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture before adding the next. This allows for a smoother, more emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract with the final egg, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final dough.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until *just combined*. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense cookie bars rather than soft and chewy ones. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
- Spread Dough into Pan: Press the prepared dough evenly into your greased and floured (or foil-lined and sprayed) baking pan. A 13×9 inch pan is ideal for thick, substantial bars. Ensure the dough is spread to the edges for consistent baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars for approximately 18-20 minutes in a preheated oven. The key here is to slightly *under-bake* them. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the center might still look slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the hot pan.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: While your cookie bars are cooling completely (this is important to prevent the frosting from melting!), prepare your frosting. Beat together softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, gradually adding milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired thickness.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, generously spread the sweet buttercream frosting over them. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Expert Baking Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars
Achieving truly exceptional sugar cookie bars involves a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to elevate your baking and ensure every batch is a resounding success:
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: This is arguably the most critical tip for soft, chewy cookies. Once you add the flour mixture, mix on low speed only until the dry ingredients are *just combined*. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookie bars tough and dense, rather than tender and soft. A few small streaks of flour are better than an overmixed dough.
- Slightly Under Bake for Chewy Perfection: Just like with traditional cookies, the secret to the best sugar cookie bars is to slightly under bake them. The edges should be lightly golden and set, but the center should still look a little soft. They will continue to “carry-over cook” and firm up as they cool in the warm pan after being removed from the oven. This residual heat ensures a perfectly soft and chewy texture throughout. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
- Customize with Sprinkles for Any Holiday: Sprinkles are your best friend for seasonal customization! Easily transform these bars for any holiday or occasion by using themed sprinkles. Think red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays, or vibrant colors for birthdays. You can sprinkle them generously on top of the frosting, or for a funfetti-style twist, even gently fold some into the dough before baking.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations: These bars are incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to change up the flavor profile of both the cookie and the frosting.
- Extracts: Instead of or in addition to vanilla, try almond extract for a marzipan-like flavor, lemon extract (or lemon zest) for a bright, citrusy bar, or peppermint extract for a festive winter treat, like Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars. Orange, coconut, or even a hint of rum extract can also be delightful.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warmer, spiced sugar cookie experience.
- Zest: Citrus zest (lemon, orange, lime) can add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Adjust Pan Size and Double the Recipe: This recipe is written for a 13×9 inch baking dish, which yields nice, thick, and chewy bars.
- Thinner Bars: If you prefer thinner bars, you can bake the same amount of dough in a larger half-sheet pan (13×18 inches). Be aware that the baking time will significantly shorten, so keep a close eye on them.
- Double the Recipe: For a larger crowd or to get thick bars in a half-sheet pan, simply double the entire recipe and bake it in a 13×18 inch baking dish. This will give you plenty of thick, substantial bars for everyone to enjoy.
How To Make Sugar Cookie Bars Ahead of Time
These sugar cookie bars are a fantastic option for meal prep or party planning, as they can be prepared in advance using a couple of different methods. This flexibility allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade treats without the last-minute rush.
- Completely Baked and Frosted: If you want to get everything done, you can bake the bars, let them cool completely, and then frost them. Once frosted, cover the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. These fully prepared bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This is ideal for bringing to a potluck or party, as they are ready to serve directly from the pan.
- Bake and Frost Separately: For optimal freshness and presentation, you can bake the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the buttercream frosting separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply let the frosting come to room temperature (you might need to re-whip it for a minute to restore its spreadable consistency), and then frost the cooled bars just before serving. This method ensures the frosting is perfectly fresh and soft when enjoyed.
- Prepare Dough Ahead: If you prefer to bake them fresh, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Once the dough is made, press it into your prepared baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, take the pan out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes to take off the chill, then bake as directed. This is a wonderful option for enjoying warm, freshly baked cookie bars with minimal effort on the day you want to serve them. Remember, regardless of the make-ahead method, always ensure the bars are completely cool before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting.
Storing Your Sugar Cookie Bars for Freshness
Proper storage is key to keeping your sugar cookie bars soft, moist, and delicious for as long as possible. Here are the best ways to store them, whether you plan to enjoy them in a few days or save them for later:
- Room Temperature Storage: For short-term storage, these frosted sugar cookie bars can be kept at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay fresh, soft, and delicious on your kitchen counter for 3-4 days. This is generally preferred for optimal texture, as the frosting remains soft and the cookie base retains its chewiness.
- Refrigerator Storage: If you need to extend their shelf life beyond a few days, refrigerating the bars is a great option. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. To ensure they are at their best texture when serving, we recommend taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to eat them. This allows the cookie base to soften slightly and the buttercream frosting to return to a perfectly creamy, spreadable consistency, rather than being firm and chilled.
- Freezer Storage: Sugar cookie bars freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for preparing a large batch and saving some for a rainy day.
- Unfrosted: For best results, freeze unfrosted bars. Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars or small sections tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Frosted: If freezing frosted bars, first place the pan (uncovered) in the freezer for about an hour, or until the frosting is firm. Then, remove and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This step prevents the frosting from sticking to the wrap.
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of these easy sugar cookie bars, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic cookie recipes:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic combination of two beloved flavors in a chewy cookie.
- Chewy Molasses Cookies: Spiced, soft, and wonderfully rich, perfect for fall and winter.
- Andes Mint Cake Mix Cookies: Super easy and bursting with refreshing mint chocolate flavor.
- Double Chocolate M&M Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, packed with colorful M&M’s.
- Cherry Nougat Cookies: A unique and festive treat, great for holiday cookie platters.
- Avalanche Cookies: A quick and simple no-bake option loaded with peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows.
- Peanut Butter Cup Blossom Cookies: Soft peanut butter cookies topped with a melty chocolate peanut butter cup.
4.89 from 9 votes
Sugar Cookie Bars
By
Erin Sellin
Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft and chewy sugar cookies in bar form! Topped with a sweet buttercream for a delicious and easy treat!
Prep:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Total:
30 minutes
Servings:
24
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Ingredients
Bars
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, approximately
- 1/3 cup milk, approximately
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
-
In an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 2 minutes on medium speed. This aeration is key to soft cookie bars.
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract with the final egg, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients.
-
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined before being added to the wet mixture.
-
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
-
Evenly spread the thick cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer all the way to the edges.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with moist crumbs attached. It’s better to slightly underbake for a chewier texture. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
-
To make the frosting: In a clean mixer bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, half of the powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Beat until combined. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and milk, alternating until you reach a smooth, creamy, and spreadable consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar to achieve your desired frosting thickness. Spread the prepared frosting generously over the completely cooled sugar cookie bars. Slice and serve!
Notes
Recipe adapted from RecipeGirl.com
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
381
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
55
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
16
g
|
Saturated Fat:
10
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
72
mg
|
Sodium:
259
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
35
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Author:
Erin Sellin
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Course:
Dessert Recipes
Cuisine:
American
Servings:
24
Calories:
381
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