Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as easy as it is delicious, look no further than these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that’s bursting with flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These bars are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness and a hint of vanilla makes them irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why It Works Every Time
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are designed to be foolproof. The balance of ingredients ensures a soft texture while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the bars perfectly. Using both baking powder and baking soda helps the bars rise beautifully, giving them that perfect, pillowy consistency. Plus, the addition of cream cheese in the frosting takes these bars to another level of deliciousness.
The Essentials
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather our essential ingredients:
- 2 cups (312.5g) all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our bars, providing the structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda – Enhances the texture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 cup (170.25g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and flavor.
- 4 ounces (113.4g) cream cheese, at room temperature – Essential for the creamy frosting.
- 1 cup (300g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the bars to perfection.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses the bars with a warm, sweet flavor.
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – For the frosting, adding smoothness.
- 2 cups (300g) powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the frosting flavor.
- Rainbow sprinkles – For decorating, adding a festive touch!
Essential Tools for Success
Before you start baking, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – The perfect size for these cookie bars.
- Spatula – For spreading the frosting evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to successful baking.
- Cooling rack – To cool the bars before frosting.
Step-by-Step: Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and well combined.
Step 10: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Top with colorful rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
Make It Year-Round
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are not just for special occasions; they can be customized for any time of year! Here are some fun ideas:
- Spring: Use pastel-colored sprinkles for a spring-themed treat.
- Summer: Add fresh fruit on top of the frosting for a fruity twist.
- Fall: Try adding pumpkin spice to the dough and top with chopped nuts.
- Winter: Use red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday dessert.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
Creating the perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars can be simple, but here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring tools.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven for even baking.
- Skipping the cooling step: Frosting warm bars can lead to a melty mess. Make sure they are completely cool.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars can be enjoyed for days, and they also freeze well!
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: You can enjoy them cold, or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like. Chocolate sprinkles or themed ones for holidays will work wonderfully.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still taste great!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a buttercream frosting instead. Just remember to adjust the sweetness to your liking!
How can I make these bars more flavorful?
Consider adding lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture!
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Make It Tonight
Now that you have the recipe and all the tips you need, it’s time to whip up a batch of these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. They are sure to become a favorite in your household, making every occasion a little sweeter. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some happiness!
Enjoy your baking adventure, and remember, the best part of making these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking!
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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Top with rainbow sprinkles.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil for freezing; they last up to 3 months.
- Enjoy them cold or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
