Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)
Soft buttery cookie bars with creamy frosting, ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for parties and celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Bars
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 large egg yolk
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup whole milk
→ Frosting
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Food coloring (optional)
15 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
05 - On low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined and do not overmix.
06 - Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
07 - Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired.
09 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They give you all the flavor of decorated sugar cookies with about a quarter of the effort.
- The thick layer of creamy frosting on top makes every bite feel like a celebration.
02 -
- Overbaking is the number one enemy here so pull the bars out when the center still looks slightly underdone because they will set as they cool.
- Sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting is the difference between a smooth finish and grainy streaks you cannot fix.
03 -
- The extra egg yolk is the secret weapon that keeps these bars chewy rather than cakey so do not skip it.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter before baking to release any trapped air bubbles that would create uneven spots.