Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 3-4 cups confectioner’s sugar; Pinch of salt; 2 teaspoons cherry extract; 2-3 tablespoons almond milk or cream; 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; 2-3 drops pink food gel; Sprinkles

Published: July 10, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookie bars in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Customizable Frosting: The cherry buttercream can easily be swapped with your favorite flavor, making it versatile.
Thick and Soft Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of softness and chewiness in every bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their eye-catching pink frosting and sprinkles, they are visually appealing and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To create your frosted soft sugar cookie bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet or pan
Parchment paper
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Makes it easier to cream the butter and sugars together smoothly for a light texture.
Baking sheet or pan: A sturdy surface ensures even baking of your cookie bars.

Ingredients

Perfectly, simple, delicious, traditional sugar cookies transformed into soft, thick sugar cookie bars frosted with a cherry buttercream frosting that will knock your socks off!

3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks, softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened)
3 – 4 cups confectioner’s sugar (sifted)
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons cherry extract or vanilla extract (can also use maraschino cherry juice 2-3 tablespoons)
2-3 tablespoons almond milk or cream
1-2 drops pink food gel
Sprinkles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Pour the dough into your prepared pan:
1. Spread evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Buttercream Frosting

While the bars cool:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in cherry extract (or juice), almond milk or cream, pink food gel until smooth.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Once cooled:
1. Spread cherry buttercream frosting over the top of the cookie bars.
2. Add sprinkles for an extra festive touch!

Now you have delicious frosted soft sugar cookie bars ready to enjoy!

Frosted soft sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet snack at home, these bars are sure to impress.

For Celebratory Events

Birthday Parties: Cut the bars into fun shapes and top with colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
Holiday Gatherings: Decorate with seasonal motifs like snowflakes or hearts, perfect for any holiday theme.

With Beverages

Milk: Serve alongside a glass of cold milk to enhance the sweet flavors of the cookie bars.
Coffee: Pair with your morning coffee for an indulgent breakfast treat.

As Gifts

Gift Boxes: Pack the cookie bars in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
Party Favors: Wrap individual bars in cellophane and tie with ribbons to give as party favors.

Perfecting frosted soft sugar cookie bars is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

Bold Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor in both the cookie base and frosting.
Bold Chilling Time: Allow the dough to chill before baking; this helps prevent spreading and results in thicker bars.
Bold Baking Sheet Preparation: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Bold Frosting Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your frosting by adding more or less almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Bold Decoration Choices: Experiment with different sprinkles or edible glitter for visual appeal on top of the frosting.

Frosted soft sugar cookie bars can be enjoyed alone or alongside various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their sweetness perfectly.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with cookies.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses that provide a savory touch against the sweet bars.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie bars into warm chocolate for an extra decadent experience.
Ice Cream Scoops: Serve alongside vanilla or cherry ice cream for a delightful dessert duo.
Nut Mixes: Provide a crunchy nut mix on the side to add texture when enjoying the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking frosted soft sugar cookie bars can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Always use softened butter for the best results.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can dry out the bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
Skipping parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can cause sticking. Always line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Neglecting frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick or too runny, it won’t spread well. Adjust with almond milk or more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store frosted soft sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
These bars can be frozen for up to three months.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute cherry extract with vanilla or almond extract based on your preference. This will create a unique flavor twist.

The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles or even drizzle chocolate on top for extra flair.

These bars offer a thicker, softer texture compared to traditional cookies, making them perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Frosted soft sugar cookie bars are delightful treats that blend traditional flavors with modern convenience. Their thick, chewy texture paired with luscious cherry buttercream frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, you can easily customize these bars with different extracts or toppings to suit any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love!

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Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe