These frosted sugar cookie bars taste like your favorite bakery sugar cookies, but they’re way easier. No rolling, no cookie cutters, no chilling trays over and over. You just press the dough into a pan, bake, and frost.
They’re soft, thick, and perfectly sweet—an easy weeknight dessert that also looks party-ready with sprinkles. This frosted sugar cookie bars recipe is always a fan-favorite for potlucks, birthdays, and Valentine’s Day treat boxes.
The Secret to That Soft Bakery Texture
Two little tricks make these bars extra tender: a touch of cornstarch, and slightly underbaking. You want the center set but still soft—because the bars keep baking a little as they cool. Trust me, don’t wait for “fully golden.” Soft is the goal.
Why You’ll Love These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Bakery-style soft: Thick bars with a tender crumb.
- No rolling pin: Press-and-bake simplicity.
- Perfect for parties: Easy to slice and serve.
- Frosting makes it fun: Color it pink, red, or keep it classic.
- Great for beginners: Simple mixing and forgiving steps.
- Customizable: Sprinkles, citrus zest, almond flavor—make them yours.
Ingredients for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Sugar Cookie Bars
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base. Spoon and level so bars stay soft.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Makes the bars tender and bakery-soft.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Light lift without making them cakey.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Rich flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetness and structure.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind and gives that chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Optional almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Adds that bakery “sugar cookie” vibe.
Vanilla Frosting
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Fluffy base.
- Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweet and spreadable.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Thins to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) + pinch of salt: Flavor.
- Food coloring + sprinkles (optional): The fun part.
Helpful aside: If the frosting feels too sweet, add an extra pinch of salt and a tiny splash more vanilla. It makes a big difference.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting.
- 2. Whisk dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar on medium-high for 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using).
- 4. Mix the dough: Add dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined. Dough will be thick.
- 5. Press and bake: Press dough evenly into the pan (slightly damp hands help). Bake 18–22 minutes until the edges look set and the center is just baked through (not deeply golden).
- 6. Cool completely: Let the cookie slab cool fully before frosting so the frosting stays fluffy.
- 7. Make frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then beat in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable. Color if you want.
- 8. Frost and slice: Spread frosting, add sprinkles, lift out using parchment, and cut into squares.
Tips for Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
- Don’t overbake: Soft centers keep bars tender.
- Cool before frosting: Warm bars melt the frosting.
- Parchment sling: Makes lift-out and slicing easy.
- Even pressing: Press dough level so bars bake evenly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon sugar cookie bars: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to dough.
- Chocolate frosted: Use chocolate buttercream on top.
- Sprinkle swap: Use seasonal sprinkles (birthday, holiday, etc.).
- Cream cheese frosting: Swap frosting for cream cheese frosting if you want tang.
Storing & Reheating
- Room temp: Airtight 2 days.
- Fridge: Airtight 4–5 days (best for frosted bars).
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars up to 2 months; thaw and frost.
Serving Suggestions
- Cookie bar platter for parties
- Treat bags for school events
- Dessert board with berries and chocolates
Reader Review: These tasted like bakery sugar cookies but were way easier. Everyone asked for the recipe!
If you make these frosted sugar cookie bars, leave a rating and comment. What color frosting did you choose?