If you’re seeking a dessert that feels like pure nostalgia, Sugar Cookie Bars are your answer. Imagine everything you love about classic frosted sugar cookies — buttery richness, a tender crumb, and a sweet swirl of frosting — made effortless and shareable as a bar cookie. Baked in one pan and topped with colorful frosting and sprinkles, these bars are a true delight for bake sales, parties, or a cozy night in. Trust me: once you’ve tasted these sweet, soft, and impossibly easy Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll want them in every celebration (and rainy Sunday) from here on out!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity, with each ingredient chosen for maximum flavor and that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. These classic pantry staples combine to create a treat that’s just as comforting as it is irresistible!

Unsalted butter: Provides that signature richness and keeps the bars super moist; use it softened for the creamiest batter.
Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens, but also helps the bars bake up with a soft, tender bite.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and makes the dough supple, giving the bars structure without making them cakey.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a classic bakery aroma; it’s essential for bringing out that traditional sugar cookie flavor.
Almond extract (optional): Just a dash brings a subtle, nutty complexity that makes every bite memorable; skip if you prefer classic vanilla.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the bars sturdy but soft, striking that magical balance between chewy and cake-like.
Baking powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift, so they stay fluffy rather than dense.
Salt: Rounds out the flavors and keeps the sweetness just right.
For the frosting – Unsalted butter: The creamy base for an ultra-fluffy, cloudlike frosting.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves seamlessly to produce a smooth, glossy topping.
Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to make it perfectly spreadable.
Vanilla extract: Ties the frosting flavor together for that unmistakable classic taste.
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): Add color and fun for holidays or special themes, making the bars party-ready!

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the easiest cleanup and perfect results, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift out the bars later without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat until the mixture looks pale and fluffy — this step is key for soft, light Sugar Cookie Bars. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it; beat again until fully combined and silky.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Finish the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft, thick dough forms. Don’t overmix — you want the bars to stay tender!

Step 4: Press and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough into your prepared pan, then gently press them into an even layer with clean hands or an offset spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is set, but not browned. Let the entire pan cool completely before frosting to keep the topping perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, along with vanilla extract and two tablespoons of milk. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and lush — add a third tablespoon of milk if you want a slightly silkier texture. If you’re feeling festive, mix in a drop or two of food coloring for a pop of color.

Step 6: Frost, Decorate, and Slice

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread frosting evenly over the surface. Finish with your favorite sprinkles and cut into squares. The hardest part? Waiting for everyone to gobble them up!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

The joy of Sugar Cookie Bars is that they’re a blank canvas — classic rainbow sprinkles are a cheery default, but you can get creative with pastel pearls, chocolate shavings, or even crushed candy canes during the holidays!

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or tea. For parties, serve alongside fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to really round out your dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for birthday parties, stack them in clear favor bags with a ribbon, or layer different colored frostings for a show-stopping platter. They’re just as pretty as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. If it’s especially warm or humid, you can store them in the fridge to keep the frosting firm and flavorful.

Freezing

Freeze the un-frosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic, then in foil, for up to two months. Frost after thawing for the most appealing texture, or freeze slices with frosting (and sprinkles!) between layers of parchment for grab-and-go treats.

Reheating

If you’d like your Sugar Cookie Bars slightly warm, microwave an unfrosted bar for 10–15 seconds. For frosted bars, let them come to room temperature naturally to make sure the frosting stays creamy and smooth!

FAQs

Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on texture and add an extra tablespoon of milk to the frosting if needed, as gluten-free flours can be a bit thirstier than wheat flour.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, almond extract is entirely optional. It adds a delicate bakery flavor, but the bars are just as scrumptious with only vanilla if that’s more your style or if you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy.

Can I use a different pan size?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for classic thickness, but you can use a slightly smaller (9×9-inch) pan for thicker bars — just increase the baking time slightly and test for doneness in the center.

How do I make colored frosting like in bakeries?

Just add a drop or two of your favorite gel food coloring to the frosting after beating it smooth. Pastels are perfect for spring celebrations, while bold primary colors pop for birthdays and holidays.

Why are my bars too dry or crumbly?

If your Sugar Cookie Bars turned out dry, it’s probably from overbaking or packing in too much flour. Be sure to measure flour by lightly spooning it into the measuring cup and level it off, and take the bars out as soon as the center is set.

Final Thoughts

If you love sugar cookies but crave convenience (and a recipe that always wows), these Sugar Cookie Bars are for you. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to for every gathering — or anytime you need a little extra sweetness in your day!

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe