Easy Sugar Cookie Bars

Easy Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for when you crave the soft, buttery sweetness of sugar cookies but don’t want to fuss with rolling and cutting dough.

These bars are simple to make, bake up quickly, and are topped with a luscious layer of frosting. They’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a delightful everyday treat. Customize them with festive sprinkles for any occasion!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Butter: Both in the bars and the frosting, for rich, buttery flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bars, while powdered sugar creates the smooth frosting.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the classic sugar cookie flavor.
• Flour and Leavening: All-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt create the perfect cookie bar texture.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

2. Make the Cookie Bar Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Frosting

1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
3. Add the milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles or decorations as desired.

6. Slice and Serve

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the bars closely to avoid overbaking—they should be soft in the center.
• Customizable Frosting: Change the food coloring and sprinkles to match holidays or special events.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Enjoy these bars with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! The bars can be baked and frosted a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

What can I add to the frosting?
Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle twist or use citrus zest for a fresh, bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or as an afternoon treat, these Easy Sugar Cookie Bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert. Dress them up with themed decorations or keep them simple for everyday indulgence!

Easy Sugar Cookie Bars

Easy Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for when you crave the soft, buttery sweetness of sugar cookies but don't want to fuss with rolling and cutting dough.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls 
• - Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• For the Cookie Bars
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• For the Frosting
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring optional
• Sprinkles optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
• Make the Cookie Bar Dough
• In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Bake the Bars
• Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
• Make the Frosting
• In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
• Add the milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using). Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Frost and Decorate
• Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles or decorations as desired.
• Slice and Serve
• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve.