If there’s one treat that captures the joy of every celebration and the warmth of homemade goodness, it has to be Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars take everything you love about classic sugar cookies — from the buttery, tender base to the dreamy blanket of vanilla frosting — and turn it into an irresistible tray of sweet, soft bars that are perfect for sharing with friends or indulging all by yourself. Every bite melts just right, with a delightful sprinkle crunch adding that extra sparkle to this timeless dessert.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Each item plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that beautiful, colorful finish to this special dessert.

Unsalted butter (113g + 170g): Creamy richness forms the perfect tender crumb and silky frosting base.

Granulated sugar (150g): Sweetens the cookie dough while helping to create a soft texture.
Egg and egg yolk: Provide moisture and bind ingredients for the perfect chewiness.

Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to both cookie and frosting.
All-purpose flour (188g): The structural foundation for tender bars.

Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: Light leavening agents to keep the bars soft and fluffy.
Cornstarch (1½ tsp): Keeps the texture soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

Rainbow sprinkles (80g): Add joyful pops of color and a festive touch.
Confectioners’ sugar (270g): The smooth, sweet base for the silky frosting.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (3 Tbsp): Perfectly balances frosting consistency.

Optional food coloring and extra sprinkles: Customize the frosting for any occasion.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), then line an 8 or 9-inch square pan with foil, leaving plenty of overhang on the edges. This step makes lifting out the bars a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the room temperature butter until smooth, about one minute. Then, add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy — this step creates the foundation for those soft, melt-in-your-mouth bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the whole egg and extra egg yolk along with pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl once or twice; you want all the goodness fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Sprinkles

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. With your mixer running on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three parts. The dough will be thick and lovely — fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to weave in that festive touch.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top nicely. Bake for about 25 to 26 minutes until the top is just starting to turn a light golden brown — you want soft bars, so be careful not to overbake. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack; the center may sink a bit but that’s perfectly normal.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt while mixing on low. Then crank it up to high and beat for three minutes for that fluffy, dreamy texture. Customize with a drop of food coloring if you want a splash of color.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are completely cooled, carefully lift them from the pan using the foil. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, then finish with extra sprinkles for that festive and joyful look. Cut into neat squares with a very sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for perfect edges.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Extra rainbow sprinkles are a must for that classic, playful appearance, but you can also try edible glitter or small candies to complement the frosting’s sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate, frosty look that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee — the creamy drinks contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a refreshing twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your presentation pop by serving these bars on a bright, decorated platter or a rustic wooden board to elevate their homemade charm. Arrange them in neat rows with colorful napkins or wrap individually in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigeration is a safe option and will extend freshness up to five days without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

These bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each bar tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, then add frosting if you prefer it fresh or freeze already frosted for a soft, chilled treat.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked warmth, microwave bars for about 10 to 15 seconds until just soft and slightly warmed — be careful not to overheat or melt the frosting. This quick step makes the sugar and butter flavors shine even brighter.

FAQs

Can I use regular sprinkles instead of rainbow sprinkles?

Absolutely! While rainbow sprinkles add that iconic colorful crunch, you can swap them for any sprinkle style you prefer. Just avoid nonpareils as they might melt during baking and change the texture.

How thick should the frosting be on Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars?

It’s really up to your personal taste! The recipe makes a thick, luscious layer that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie base, but if you prefer a lighter touch, simply halve the frosting ingredients for a thinner, but still delicious, layer.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture will be just as tender if you choose a mix with xanthan gum or similar binding agents.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts on the bars?

Using a very sharp knife is key. Wipe the blade clean with a paper towel between cuts to keep the edges neat and prevent frosting from smearing. Refrigerating the bars for a short time can also help firm up the frosting for cleaner slices.

Are Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Wrapped up beautifully in parchment paper or packed in a decorative box, they make a wonderful homemade gift. Their cheerful appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor make them an instant favorite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking it all into one tray of Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars — they bring together familiar flavors and textures in a way that’s easy, fun, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these bars have a way of brightening any day. I can’t recommend them enough, so go ahead, gather those ingredients, and start baking your new favorite dessert today!