Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 9 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make sugar cookie bars topped with creamy American buttercream frosting. These cookie bars combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a sweet, fluffy frosting that can be customized with gel food coloring and sprinkles, perfect for parties, celebrations, or everyday treats.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 225g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 300g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (50g, at room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 320g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • Granulated sugar for topping (optional)

American Buttercream Frosting

  • 170g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 380g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cream or milk, plus more if needed
  • Gel food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch (20×30 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla bean paste or extract, mixing until incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Transfer Dough to Pan: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan using an offset spatula.
  6. Add Sugar Topping (Optional): Sprinkle granulated sugar across the top of the cookie dough if desired for added texture and sweetness.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookie bars for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown on top and the center appears set. The edges will slightly crinkle and the cookie bars will deflate slightly when removed from the oven.
  8. Cool the Bars: Remove from oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Make Buttercream: In a clean mixer bowl with paddle attachment, whip the butter, vanilla bean paste, and salt until pale and creamy.
  10. Add Powdered Sugar: Sift in the powdered sugar and mix on medium speed until well combined.
  11. Adjust Consistency: Add cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add gel food coloring to the desired shade if using.
  12. Remove Air Bubbles: Run the mixer on low speed for 2-3 minutes to eliminate air bubbles. Use frosting immediately or cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent crusting.
  13. Frost Cookie Bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled cookie bars from the pan and place on a board or platter. Spread the frosting evenly over the bars with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
  14. Add Sprinkles: Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  15. Chill and Cut: Chill the frosted bars until the frosting sets, then cut into 20 clean pieces using a sharp knife, wiping between cuts.
  16. Store: Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for best creaming results.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift the bars out without breaking.
  • Check baking time closely; overbaking can dry out the cookie bars.
  • Adjust frosting consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  • These cookie bars can be customized with different food colorings and sprinkles for festive occasions.
  • Store bars airtight to keep frosting fresh and prevent drying.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/sugar-cookie-bars-with-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/