Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft and sweet, these Sugar Cookie Bars are just like your favorite cookie, just easier to make. A chewy sugar cookie base with a sweet frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfect for any occasion!

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Do you love sugar cookies? I’m usually a chocolate chip cookie or something with coconut but I can’t deny the simple pleasure of a sugar cookie.

When I am craving one, or twelve, I want them now. And with no fuss.

That’s what this sugar cookie bar recipe is. NO FUSS!

Skip the cookie cutters and even scooping and rolling regular sugar cookies and make them in bar form.

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Ingredients Needed

Butter – I like to use salted butter for this recipe. If you have unsalted butter, just add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the recipe.

Sugar – You will need a combination of granulated sugar and powdered sugar.

Flour – Use all purpose flour and be sure to measure it correctly. (See tips below)

Cornstarch – This keeps the cookie bars light and fluffy and give them a fluffy texture. Secret Ingredient!

Egg – Two large eggs at room temperature

Extract – You can use vanilla extract but I love almond extract for these!

Milk – Just use your favorite milk, including almond or soy milk. For a richer tasting frosting you can use heave cream.

Decorations – I love pink food coloring best of all but use your favorite color for the occasion. Decorate with festive and colorful sprinkles if desired.

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How to make sugar cookie bars

ONE: Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and cooking spray. Set aside.

TWO: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and almond extract. Mix to combine.

THREE: Whisk together the flour and cornstarch and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Spread the sugar cookie dough in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until the bars are just set and the edges are light golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

FOUR: While the sugar cookie bars are baking, prepare the frosting. Cream the butter until light and fluffy.

FIVE: Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until crumbly. Slowly add the milk and mix until smooth.

SIX: Color frosting if desired. When the bars are completely cooled, spread a thick layer of frosting over the bars and decorate with sprinkles. Slice and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Can I double this recipe?

You can double this recipe by preparing in two 9×13 baking dishes or you can spread in a prepared half sheet pan. Be sure to check baking times when using a larger baking sheet and adjust accordingly.

How to Store:

STORE: Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

FREEZE: You can freeze unfrosted sugar cookie bars for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then frost when ready. I do not recommend freezing the frosting.

MAKE AHEAD: You can make these bars up to 3 days in advance. Store the cookie base at room temperature in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting and store in the refrigerator until ready to frost and serve the bars.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Be sure to let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting them or it will melt.
• Pink frosting is always a hit for a baby shower or even Valentine’s Day. Basically any special occasion.
• If you want a richer frosting, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Measure the flour by fluffing it with a fork or spoon, spoon the flour into a measuring cup (don’t pack down), level with knife and then add to recipe.
• If your frosting still seems too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until you get the consistency you want.
• Change the colors and sprinkles on these sugar cookie bars to match any occasion!
• You can mix in a stand mixer, electric mixer with a paddle attachment, or use a hand mixer.
• Be sure to soften your butter at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before creaming. You want the butter soft and cool, not melted and warm.

More Easy Recipes

• Cherry Pie Bars
• Magic Cookie Bars
• Sprinkle Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cookies

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

These sweet and tender Sugar Cookie Bars are the best way to enjoy everyone’s favorite cookie. Easy to make and decorated with festive and colorful frosting and sprinkles!

Friday Christmas Cookie Recipes

• Big Soft Ginger Cookies from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Chai Snickerdoodles from The Spiffy Cookie
• Chewy Oatmeal Ginger Cookies from Family Around the Table
• Italian Pistachio Cookies from Take Two Tapas
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from Kate’s Recipe Box
• Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Christmas Ritz Cracker Cookies from Jen Around the World
• Cinnamon Toast Macaron from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti from Sweet Beginnings
• Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Double Chocolate Cherry Almond Oatmeal Cookies from Magical Ingredients
• Double Peppermint Cookies from Daily Dish Recipes
• Grinch Cookies from Devour Dinner
• Old-Fashioned Jubilee Jumbles Cookies from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Peppermint Shortbread from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Reindeer Cookies from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
• Thumbprint Cookies from Palatable Pastime
• White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies from Art of Natural Living

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