Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy Dessert Bar Recipe
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect twist on a timeless favorite—classic sugar cookies—without the extra rolling, cutting, or decorating stress. These bars take all the sweet nostalgia of homemade cookies and transform them into a shareable, crowd-pleasing dessert bar recipe. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this soft and chewy treat, the easy step-by-step recipe, baking tips for success, storage methods, and helpful answers to common questions. Whether you’re planning a spring celebration, birthday party, or cozy holiday gathering, these cookie bars bring effortless joy and sweetness to every occasion.
A Sweet Memory Behind Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Every baker has a memory that smells like vanilla, butter, and sugar. Mine takes me back to weekend afternoons in my mom’s kitchen—the counter dusted in flour, cookie cutters scattered, and the warm hum of the oven filling the air. We would roll dough, sneak tastes of frosting, and cover every sugar cookie with pastel-colored icing and a flurry of sprinkles. Those moments weren’t just about baking; they were about connection, comfort, and creativity.
Years later, when I first made Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, I felt that same nostalgic joy—but with a modern shortcut. Instead of rolling out dozens of individual cookies, I pressed the dough into a baking pan, creating one soft, pillowy layer ready for frosting. The scent of vanilla still drifted through my kitchen, and the pastel frosting brought back all the playful charm of childhood baking.
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars capture everything we love about the classics—the buttery crumb, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that creamy, colorful top—but simplify the process. There’s something so comforting about slicing the bars into neat squares and serving them up to friends, just as my mom served plates of cookies years ago. These Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars make it easy to share love and nostalgia, one sweet bite at a time.
Print
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy Dessert Bar Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
These Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars combine the buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies with a smooth pastel frosting, all made in one pan for an effortless treat. They bake up soft and chewy, perfect for spring celebrations, parties, or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.
8. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out with the parchment paper and cool completely on a rack.
9. For the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy, then gradually add 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons cream until smooth; stir in 1 teaspoon extract and optional food coloring.
10. Once the bars are fully cool, spread the frosting evenly, add sprinkles if desired, then slice into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Keywords: soft frosted sugar cookie bars, dessert bar recipe, sugar cookie bar recipe, soft and chewy cookies, spring baking recipes, best sugar cookies, baking sweets, frosted cookie bars
Why Cookie Bars Beat Traditional Cookies
There’s no denying that sugar cookies are iconic, but when life gets busy, pressed dough and cookie cutters can feel like extra steps. That’s where cookie bars come in—and frankly, they’re a game changer. Transforming the same rich dough into a dessert bar recipe saves time while keeping the flavor and texture we adore. With Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, you get all the buttery sweetness and soft crumb without the hassle of individually shaping each cookie.
Think of these bars as the best sugar cookie bars for effortless entertaining. The dense yet tender base bakes evenly in one pan, ensuring every slice is soft and chewy from edge to center. No worrying about uneven baking or burnt edges—just consistent, delightful texture in every bite.
Plus, frosting these bars is pure joy. You simply spread on a smooth, pastel layer, add sprinkles if the mood strikes, and watch them transform into bakery-style perfection in minutes. For families, casual gatherings, or festive holidays, Soft and Chewy Cookies in bar form are a lifesaver. They travel well, look impressive on dessert platters, and deliver the same homemade satisfaction with half the effort.
In short, cookie bars combine convenience and comfort—the best of both worlds for home bakers who love sweet results without the fuss.
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need and Baking Tools
Every great sugar cookie bar recipe starts with the basics—simple pantry staples that come together to form the softest, most buttery bars you’ve ever tasted. The exact balance of flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla is what gives these soft and chewy sugar cookies their tender texture and bakery-style flavor.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Rich, buttery base; mix at room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness and tenderness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Moisture and structure |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Classic sugar cookie flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Main structure |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons | Makes bars soft and airy |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Gentle lift |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
Frosting Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Butter, softened | ½ cup | Creamy base for frosting |
| Powdered sugar | 2 ½ to 3 cups | Fluffy, smooth texture |
| Heavy cream or milk | 2–3 tablespoons | Adjusts consistency |
| Vanilla or almond extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor depth |
| Food coloring | A few drops | Optional pastel shades |
| Sprinkles | Optional | Festive decoration |
Baking Tools:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula and offset spatula for frosting
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
These simple tools turn basic ingredients into irresistible Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Once gathered, you’re ready for this easy dessert bar recipe.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Prepare your pan and preheat the oven. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar. Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy for 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add gradually to butter mixture.
- Press and bake. Spread evenly in pan and bake 18–22 minutes until edges are golden and center set.
- Cool completely. Rest 10 minutes, lift with parchment, and transfer to rack.
- Make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar gradually, then milk and extract. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Frost and decorate. Spread over cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
- Slice and serve. Cut into squares or rectangles. Wipe knife between cuts for clean edges.
Baking Tip: Pull them out just as the edges turn light golden for soft, tender results. These simple sugar cookie bars stay chewy for days.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Pro Tips for Perfectly Soft Bars
- Don’t overbake. Light golden edges mean done—any longer causes dryness.
- Use room-temperature butter. Ensures proper creaming for that soft and airy crumb.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon and level to prevent dense bars.
- Add a touch of cornstarch. Keeps dough tender for days.
- Frost cooled bars only. This avoids melting buttercream.
- Set the frosting. Leave at room temperature 30 minutes before storing or stacking.
These techniques keep Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars moist, tender, and bakery-beautiful—ideal for sharing any time you crave baking sweets.
Delicious Variations & Storage Ideas
- Lemon zest for spring. Adds zippy flavor for cheerful spring baking recipes.
- Almond or peppermint frosting. Holiday-perfect twist with tinted pastels.
- Rainbow sprinkles or layers. Create fun, colorful frosted cookie bars for birthdays.
- Try mix-ins. Add white chocolate chips or freeze-dried berries for extra flair.
Storage Tips:
- Room temperature: Airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Lasts up to 6 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted bars or freeze frosted individually, then layer with parchment.
These simple storage tricks preserve your dessert bar recipe, keeping every bite as soft and fresh as when baked.
FAQ + Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh?
Properly stored, these bars stay soft for 3 days at room temp or up to 6 days refrigerated. Keep airtight to maintain texture.
2. Can I freeze the cookie bars with frosting?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped, thaw overnight, and frost before serving. To freeze frosted, pre-freeze flat, then layer with parchment in containers.
3. How do I make them gluten-free or dairy-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum and dairy-free butter or coconut oil. Substitute plant-based milk in frosting.
4. What’s the secret to extra creamy frosting?
Beat softened butter until fluffy, then add sifted powdered sugar and a little heavy cream. Smooth texture guaranteed.
5. Can I bake these bars ahead for a party?
Absolutely. Bake base up to two days in advance or freeze unfrosted bars. Frost the day of serving for the best sugar cookies look and taste.
Conclusion
There’s lovely magic in home baking—the scent of vanilla, the swirl of frosting, and the shared joy of something delicious. Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars bring that comfort simply and beautifully. With their tender crumb and creamy topping, these treats shine at every celebration.
For spring brunches, parties, or cozy nights in, this easy dessert bar recipe adds sweetness and style with minimal effort. Change colors, sprinkle freely, and make it your own delight.
Once you try Soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, they’ll become a baking staple—nostalgic, simple, and irresistibly soft, ready to share happiness one frosted bite at a time.
