Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert when you want all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. These soft, chewy cookie bars are baked in a single pan, topped with a sweet vanilla frosting, and finished with sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for parties, birthdays, bake sales, or casual gatherings, Sugar Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars
Cookie Bars
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, softened |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp |
| Almond extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
Frosting
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup, softened |
| Powdered sugar | 1 lb |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Milk | 3–4 Tbsp |
| Sprinkles | Optional |
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy sugar cookie bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles. An easy one-pan dessert perfect for parties, birthdays, and bake sales.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (frosting)
1 lb powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3–4 Tbsp milk
Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined. Dough will be soft but cohesive.
5. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
7. For frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Add milk gradually until frosting reaches desired spreadable consistency.
9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
10. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake for soft bars.
Cool completely before frosting.
Almond extract is optional but recommended for flavor.
Store covered at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides and mix again.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined. The dough will be soft but should hold together when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles. Cut into squares and serve.
Helpful Tips:
Do not overbake or the bars will dry out. Allow bars to cool fully before frosting for clean slices. Almond extract adds classic bakery flavor but can be omitted if desired.
Conclusion
Soft Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting are the perfect dessert for any celebration. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious, these bars deliver everything you love about sugar cookies in a simple, crowd-friendly format. One pan, big flavor, and guaranteed smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store well for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Can I freeze sugar cookie bars?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Absolutely. Use only vanilla if preferred.
What sprinkles work best?
Jimmies or confetti sprinkles hold up best.