Description
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, topped with a creamy, colorful frosting. Easy to prepare and bake in a large pan, these bars are ideal for sharing at parties, holidays, or any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks), softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5-6 tbsp heavy cream
- Food coloring of choice (optional)
- Sprinkles or decorations
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 17×12-inch rimmed cookie sheet by spraying it lightly with non-stick spray for easy release.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which will help create a tender cookie base.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
- Press Dough and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it out flat, and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Monitor closely and remove after approximately 17 minutes or when the edges start to lightly brown.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baked cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool thoroughly in the pan before adding any frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the Frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Slowly mix in the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired and mix well.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles or other decorations as preferred.
- Store: Store the frosted sugar cookie bars in a covered container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can adjust the amount of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Feel free to use different food colorings or sprinkles to customize the bars for different occasions.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days at room temperature.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars after frosting and use a sharp knife.
