If you’re searching for a treat that captures all the magic of classic sugar cookies but with way less fuss, look no further than Sugar Cookie Bars. These sweet, buttery bars come together quickly in just one pan, topped with a gloriously creamy frosting and plenty of sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. They’re soft, thick, and practically guaranteed to light up any gathering, holiday, or regular Tuesday night. Trust me, if you’ve never tried Sugar Cookie Bars before, you’re in for a fabulous surprise!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity—this recipe calls for everyday baking ingredients that each play a crucial role in making Sugar Cookie Bars irresistibly tender, flavorful, and eye-catching. Gather these up, and you’re halfway there!

Salted butter, softened (1 cup for bars, 1/2 cup for frosting): The backbone of flavor and richness, ensuring a soft crumb and smooth frosting.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): For that must-have sweetness and those sparkly tops.
Large eggs (4): These bind everything together and create lift, yielding tender bars.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for bars, 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Adds mellow, comforting flavor—don’t skimp!
All-purpose flour (5 cups): Provides the structure for thick, soft bars.
Table salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet notes and rounds out the flavor.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right bit of rise and soft, pillowy texture.
Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): The secret to a lusciously tangy and creamy frosting.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint makes the frosting sing with classic bakery flavor.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Creates a thick, smooth, spreadable frosting without a grainy bite.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Loosens up your frosting to the perfect consistency—rich and spreadable, never runny.
Food coloring & sprinkles (optional): Add a pop of color and festive flair, especially fun for holidays or parties!

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees and grabbing a large cookie sheet, ideally 12″x17″ or 13″x18″. Give it a generous coat of cooking spray—this guarantees easy release and keeps your bars perfect, not stuck.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale, fluffy, and airy. Don’t worry if it seems dry at first; after a couple of minutes, you’ll see it transform into a creamy, unified mixture—this is key for tender Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Toss in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. This careful step ensures your bars bake up moist, rich, and packed with that classic cookie flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the rising agents. Pour your dry mix into the wet, and mix just until combined (overmixing can make the bars tough). The dough should be soft—if it feels slightly sticky, that’s exactly right.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spoon the dough onto your prepared sheet and gently spread it out (dropping spoonfuls all over makes it easier to distribute). Bake for 13-16 minutes, watching for the edges to set and turn a bare hint of golden while the center is still pale and puffy. Resist the urge to overbake; the softness is what makes Sugar Cookie Bars magical! Let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add vanilla and almond extracts. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar, pour in heavy cream, and beat on low (less mess!) before ramping up to get a thick-yet-spreadable frosting. If you want color, add a drop or two of food coloring now.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are cool, slather on the cream cheese frosting all the way to the edges. Top with sprinkles or whatever decorations you like. Slice and serve—simple as that!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Let your imagination run wild! Classic rainbow sprinkles, shimmering sanding sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate look right at home. The glossy frosting is the perfect blank canvas for all sorts of festive toppings—seasonal colors for holidays, themed sprinkles for birthdays, or a little edible glitter for some sparkle.

Side Dishes

Sugar Cookie Bars are the life of any dessert table, but their sweet simplicity pairs gorgeously with fresh fruit like sliced berries or pineapple, or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Serving them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee only enhances their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Sugar Cookie Bars into classic squares, playful hearts, or holiday-themed shapes with a cookie cutter for special occasions. Stack them tall on a tiered platter for a party-ready centerpiece, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for delightful grab-and-go favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Sugar Cookie Bars fresh and soft, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, popping them in the fridge is fine, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Sugar Cookie Bars freeze beautifully, frosted or unfrosted! Wrap individual slices or the whole slab in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, and they’ll taste just as wonderful as the day you made them.

Reheating

If you prefer your Sugar Cookie Bars just slightly warm, pop a bar in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to take the chill off (especially if refrigerated), and the frosting will turn delightfully silky. Avoid heating for too long, as the frosting can melt.

FAQs

Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A good hand mixer works perfectly, and you can even make the dough by hand with a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease. Creaming the butter and sugar really well is the most important part.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to both the cookie dough and the frosting to make up for the difference. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

It definitely is! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture will still be thick, soft, and oh-so-satisfying.

Can I halve the recipe for a smaller batch?

You sure can—halve all the ingredients and bake in a 9″x13″ pan. The bars will be just as thick and delicious and perfect for smaller gatherings or weeknight treats.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Start with just a tablespoon of heavy cream and gradually add more only if needed. Be sure the butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted, and always beat in the powdered sugar on low at first to control the texture. Thick, creamy consistency is the goal!

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing quite like sharing a pan of Sugar Cookie Bars with friends or family—the buttery base and luscious frosting create a little bit of happiness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy and joyful homemade baking can be!