Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and undeniably easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars! Forget the hassle of rolling out dough and fiddling with cookie cutters. This recipe revolutionizes the classic sugar cookie, transforming it into a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar baked directly in a sheet pan. Imagine a wonderfully chewy, sweet sugar cookie base, perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these bars promise pure joy with minimal effort, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Crowd!
When you need to feed a large group, these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars truly shine. They are an absolute lifesaver for gatherings, effortlessly scaling up to satisfy many sweet cravings. From vibrant birthday parties and festive holiday celebrations to relaxed family reunions and casual neighborhood cookouts, these sheet pan sugar cookies are always a hit. Their robust texture makes them easy to transport and serve, eliminating the need for delicate individual cookies. The combination of a deeply satisfying, chewy sugar cookie base and a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting ensures every bite is a delightful experience that guests of all ages will adore. Preparing a large batch means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones, making them the ultimate dessert solution for entertaining.
Experience the Easiest Sugar Cookies You’ll Ever Make
Who says delicious treats have to be complicated? These scrumptious sugar cookie bars are a testament to simple baking at its finest. The traditional method of rolling out dough, cutting shapes, and transferring individual cookies can be time-consuming and often messy. Our Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars recipe eliminates all that fuss. The dough comes together in a snap, requiring no special equipment like a rolling pin or an assortment of cookie cutters. Instead, you simply press the prepared dough evenly into a standard sheet pan. This straightforward approach not only saves you significant time and effort but also guarantees a consistent bake every time. In just a short while, you’ll pull out a pan of perfectly golden-brown, wonderfully chewy sugar cookies, ready for their luxurious frosting. It’s truly the easiest way to achieve that classic sugar cookie taste and texture without any of the usual stress.
The Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting
No sugar cookie bar is truly complete without its crowning glory: the frosting! And for these Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, we’re talking about an absolutely divine cream cheese frosting. This isn’t just any frosting; its smooth texture and delightful tang provide the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, buttery sugar cookie base. The slight tartness of the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a mixer. Once spread generously over the cooled cookie bars, it transforms them into an even more decadent treat. For an extra touch of fun and festivity, don’t forget to sprinkle on some colorful rainbow sprinkles. They add a vibrant visual appeal and a playful crunch that makes these cookie bars truly ready to party!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Crafting these delectable Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars requires a handful of common pantry staples, ensuring that you can likely whip them up anytime a craving strikes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect chewy base and luscious frosting. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for both the cookie dough and the frosting. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a light texture. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of your bake.
- White granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps create that signature chewy texture in the cookie bars.
- Milk: A touch of milk adds moisture to the cookie dough, contributing to its tenderness, and also helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency in the cream cheese frosting.
- Pure vanilla extract: A cornerstone flavor for any great sugar cookie and cream cheese frosting. Opt for pure vanilla for the best, most aromatic results.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, provide structure, and add richness to the cookie dough, contributing to its delightful chewiness.
- All-purpose flour: The structural foundation of our cookie bars. Measure correctly to avoid a dense or dry outcome.
- Baking powder: Our leavening agent, which helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft interior.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness in both the cookie and the frosting, enhancing all the flavors.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of our tangy frosting. Ensure it’s full-fat and softened to room temperature for the smoothest, most delectable frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is vital for creating a smooth, lump-free frosting with the perfect sweetness and consistency.
- 16×12-inch sheet pan: The essential vessel for baking these bars. This size ensures the perfect thickness and generous portions.
Gathering these ingredients beforehand will make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll be amazed at how these simple components transform into such an extraordinary treat.
More Sheet Pan Treats You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the convenience and deliciousness of sheet pan baking, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of sheet pan desserts makes baking for a crowd easier and more enjoyable than ever. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Serve up dessert for a crowd with these Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and out of the oven in 20 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, playdates, and more!
- Chocolate Sheet Cake with Chocolate Pecan Icing:A super moist chocolate sheet cake covered in a rich chocolate pecan icing that’s out-of-this-world delicious!
- Homemade Strawberry Sheet Pan Pop Tart: The perfect slumber party or birthday breakfast treat. What an unforgettable and fun way to start a special day!
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake: Pumpkin and spice and all things nice baked into a moist Pumpkin Sheet Cake that will serve a crowd and is crowd-pleasing!
- How to Make Frosted Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step GuideCreating these delightful Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect batch every time. The key is to pay attention to the texture at each stage, especially when mixing the dough and preparing the frosting.Prepare Your Oven and Pan:First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, lightly spray a 16×12-inch sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray. This initial spray helps the parchment paper adhere better. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cooled cookie slab out later.Start the Cookie Dough:In the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter and white granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, typically for about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.Add Wet Ingredients:With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the milk and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.Incorporate Dry Ingredients:Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix only until a thick, cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookie bars.Press and Bake:Transfer the prepared cookie dough to the lined sheet pan. Using your hands or an offset spatula, press the dough evenly into the pan, making sure it reaches all corners. This ensures an even thickness for uniform baking.Baking Time:Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 22-24 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set and just beginning to show small cracks. For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.Cool Completely:Once baked, remove the cookie from the oven. It’s crucial to let the cookie bar cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost it. Attempting to frost a warm cookie will result in melted, messy frosting.Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:While the cookie bar cools, prepare your irresistible frosting. In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese together on medium speed until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy, with no lumps.Finish the Frosting:Add the kosher salt and pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix briefly. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until each addition is well combined. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add 1 tablespoon of milk and beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and has a smooth, spreadable consistency.Quick Tip:If your frosting appears too thick to spread easily, add additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if the frosting is too thin, beat in a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up to a perfect spreading consistency. Remember, it’s easier to add a little more than to take away!Frost the Bars:Once the cookie base is completely cool, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cookie bars. Aim for a smooth, consistent layer that covers from edge to edge.Decorate with Sprinkles:For that festive touch, generously garnish the frosted sugar cookie bars with colorful rainbow sprinkles, or any other sprinkles that match your theme or holiday.Cut and Serve:Carefully lift the entire cookie slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the large slab into 24 equal squares. This size is perfect for individual servings, especially when catering to a crowd. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheers!How to Store Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars for FreshnessTo ensure your delicious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars remain fresh and delightful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or save them for a later treat, these tips will help maintain their perfect texture and flavor.To store sugar cookie bars at room temperature:If your home is cool and not overly humid, you can place the cut cookie bars in an airtight container on your kitchen counter for up to three days. Make sure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out. This method is perfect for quick consumption.To extend freshness in the refrigerator:For longer storage, transfer the cookie bars to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and tasty for another 3-4 days. Chilling them will firm up the frosting, which many people enjoy, especially in warmer climates. Always allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.To freeze frosted cookie bars:Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy these treats weeks later. First, arrange the cut cookie bars on the sheet pan and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. This initial freezing step, known as “flash freezing,” helps the cream cheese frosting firm up completely, preventing the bars from sticking together when stacked. Once firm, transfer the cookie squares to a freezer-safe bag or container. For optimal protection against freezer burn, place a sheet of parchment paper between each square to create a barrier. For extra insurance against freezer burn and to maintain peak freshness, place the baggie of cookies inside another larger freezer-safe container. This double layer of protection helps seal in moisture and flavor.Thawing frozen cookie bars:When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookie bars, simply remove them from the freezer and thaw them loosely covered at room temperature for several hours. This gradual thawing process helps retain their original texture and prevents them from becoming soggy. Once thawed, they’ll be just as delicious as when they were freshly baked and frosted.Following these storage guidelines will ensure you always have a delightful treat on hand, ready to brighten any moment!We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! If you whip up these incredible Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, be sure to snap a picture and share it on Instagram. Tag us@thebakermamaso we can see your amazing work! Your creativity and enthusiasm truly inspire us, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how you bring our recipes to life. Enjoy every sweet bite!xoxo,Printclockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid iconFrosted Sugar Cookie Bars5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 StarNo reviewsAuthor:The BakerMamaPrep Time:15 minutesCook Time:24 minutesTotal Time:39 minutesYield:24 cookie barsPrint RecipeDescriptionFrosted Sugar Cookie Bars are the easiest, yummiest sugar cookies you’ll ever bake. No rolling or cookie cutters needed! A chewy sugar cookie base topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that is sure to please any crowd!IngredientsIngredients:1 cup(2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened2 cupswhite granulated sugar2 tablespoonsmilk1 teaspoonvanilla extract3large eggs4 cupsall-purpose flour3 teaspoonsbaking powder1 teaspoonkosher saltIcing:1/2 cup(1 stick) unsalted butter, softened8 ouncescream cheese, softened1/4 teaspoonkosher salt1 teaspoonpure vanilla4–5cups powdered sugar1–2tablespoons milkDecorations:Rainbow sprinklesInstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F.Spray a 16×12-inch sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray and then line with parchment paper.To make the cookie bars: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.Beat in the milk and vanilla extract and then the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is well combined.Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms.Press the dough evenly into the prepared sheet pan.Bake until golden brown all over and starting to crack in the middle, about 22-24 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time.Remove the cookie from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.To make the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.Add the salt and vanilla. Beat in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until well combined. Add 1 tablespoon milk and beat on medium-high speed until frosting is fluffy and of spreading consistency. Add additional milk if the frosting is too thick or additional powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin to spread.Garnish with rainbow sprinkles, if desired.Did you make this recipe?Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!