Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious twist on traditional sugar cookies. With a soft, chewy texture and topped with creamy frosting, they offer the perfect combination of sweetness and comfort.

What makes this dessert even more special is how easy it is to make! They are the perfect option for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. You can also switch up the frosting and sprinkles to match any occasion or flavor preference, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing!

Full Recipe:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed for frosting)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

• Sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until fully combined.

6. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.

9. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt together until smooth and creamy.

10. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Top with sprinkles if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 bars

Recipe Overview

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that takes the best aspects of classic sugar cookies and presents them in a fun, easy-to-make bar form. With a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, creamy frosting topping, they are an irresistible indulgence that brings comfort with every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as a simple snack with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity – a buttery sugar cookie base topped with smooth, sweet frosting and often adorned with colorful sprinkles. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling out dough and cutting shapes, these bars take the guesswork out of baking and deliver a treat that’s just as delicious with far less effort.

History and Origin

Sugar cookies have been around for centuries, with their origins believed to trace back to the 1700s in the United States, where settlers from Europe began experimenting with the ingredients they had available. The classic sugar cookie as we know it today likely has roots in Pennsylvania Dutch baking traditions, where the practice of making simple, sweet cookies was widespread. Over time, sugar cookies became a staple of American holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas, due to their ease of preparation and festive appeal.

The idea of transforming sugar cookies into bar form is a relatively modern twist. By taking the familiar sugar cookie dough and baking it in a rectangular pan, these bars streamline the process while maintaining all the flavor and enjoyment of their round counterparts. The addition of frosting, which is often reserved for other types of baked goods, elevates the flavor and gives these bars a decadent finishing touch that is hard to resist.

Variations and Adaptations

As with many classic recipes, sugar cookies and their variations come in countless forms depending on where they are made or the occasion they are intended for. While Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are most commonly baked with vanilla and almond extracts, there are many ways to add a personalized twist.

For instance, some bakers prefer to add zest from citrus fruits like lemon or orange, which imparts a fresh, tangy note to the sweetness of the sugar cookie dough. Others might include a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger to provide a warm, spiced flavor, especially during the cooler months. The frosting can also be varied by using flavored extracts, like peppermint, or adding food coloring to match a holiday or party theme.

In terms of sprinkles, the possibilities are endless. Classic rainbow sprinkles are a favorite, but for a more seasonal touch, red and green sprinkles are perfect for Christmas, or pastel colors work wonderfully for Easter celebrations. For a fancier twist, edible glitter or small candies can be added on top of the frosting for extra flair.

Nutritional Information

Like most baked goods, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence. However, when it comes to nutritional content, these bars pack quite a bit of sweetness and calories.

On average, a single serving (one bar) contains approximately 290 calories, with around 15 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat. This comes primarily from the butter in the dough and frosting, which contributes to the richness of the cookies. Sugar is the main source of carbohydrates in these bars, offering around 35 grams of carbs per serving, with a small amount coming from the flour and milk used in the recipe. There is very little protein or fiber in these bars, making them more of a simple sugar indulgence rather than a source of nutritional value.

From a micronutrient perspective, Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars offer minimal vitamins and minerals, though the butter provides some vitamin A, and the eggs in the dough contribute small amounts of vitamins D and B12. For those watching their sugar intake, it’s worth noting that these bars are quite sweet, so moderation is key.

If you’re looking to make these bars a bit more health-conscious, consider using a lower-sugar frosting, substituting some of the butter with a healthier fat like coconut oil, or experimenting with a sugar substitute in the dough. However, remember that part of the charm of sugar cookie bars is the indulgence factor, so enjoy them in moderation!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as a treat for an afternoon tea. They also make great gifts when cut into neat squares and packaged in pretty boxes or bags, decorated with a festive ribbon.

For a sweet snack that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness, a hot cup of coffee or tea is an ideal companion. Consider pairing these bars with a rich dark roast coffee, which will complement the sugariness of the cookies and help balance out the sweetness. Alternatively, a cup of Earl Grey tea, with its citrusy notes, can add a touch of sophistication to the experience.

For a fun twist, you could serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars alongside a variety of other desserts, creating a mini dessert table. Think brownies, mini cupcakes, and fruit tarts for a colorful and diverse spread. The bars also make an excellent addition to a dessert buffet at a wedding or holiday event.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Making perfect Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars is easy, but there are a few tips to ensure your bars turn out just right:

1. Do not overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are combined with the wet, mix until just incorporated.

2. Use room temperature butter: This helps to create a smoother, creamier dough that will spread evenly in the pan.

3. Cool the bars completely before frosting: If you add frosting to warm bars, it will melt and create a gooey mess. Let the bars cool completely before spreading the frosting on top.

4. Even frosting application: Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the bars for a smooth, professional finish.

5. Storage: Store the Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Potential Health Benefits

While Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are not exactly a health food, some of their ingredients do offer small health benefits. For example, eggs provide a good source of protein and important vitamins like vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function. Butter contains small amounts of vitamin A, which is vital for eye health and skin maintenance.

That said, these bars are high in sugar and fat, so it’s important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking for health-conscious options, you might consider swapping some ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as substituting part of the butter with applesauce or using a sugar substitute in the frosting.

Conclusion

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a timeless dessert that combines the simple joy of a sugar cookie with the decadence of frosting, all in a convenient bar format. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to bring smiles to faces and joy to every bite. Easy to make and highly customizable, they are a perfect addition to any dessert spread. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these soft, chewy, and utterly delicious bars. You won’t regret it!