Introduction to Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
If you're a young professional navigating the bustling pace of life, frosted sugar cookie bars offer the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience. These delightful treats capture all the charming flavors of classic sugar cookies but in an easy-to-make bar format. Picture this: after a long day at work, you pull these chewy, soft bars out of the oven and treat yourself to a slice—or two. It’s a comforting moment that can brighten even the dreariest of evenings.
Why are these bars ideal for busy professionals? For starters, they come together in just one bowl, minimizing cleanup time. You can whip up a batch on a Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week, or make them for impromptu gatherings with friends. The vibrant sprinkles add a festive touch that’s also great for sharing at work. Plus, the vanilla frosting quite literally takes these bars to the next level—it's a sweet indulgence that makes it hard to resist going back for seconds.
Looking for quick and easy dessert solutions? Discover more engaging recipes on Sally's Baking Addiction and bring a bit of joy to your week!
Ingredients for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, these frosted sugar cookie bars are guaranteed to hit the spot! Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert.
Essential ingredients for the cookie bars
For the base of our delicious frosted sugar cookie bars, gather the following items:
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened to room temperature)
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Large egg: 1 (plus 1 egg yolk, for richness)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 1½ cups (spooned & leveled)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1½ teaspoons
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (not nonpareils)
For a more in-depth look at measuring your ingredients correctly, check out this guide on how to measure baking ingredients.
Key ingredients for the frosting
To top it all off, you’ll need a rich and creamy frosting. Here’s what to prepare:
- Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (softened to room temperature)
- Confectioners’ sugar: 2¼ cups
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: 3 tablespoons
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste (helps balance sweetness)
- Optional: food coloring and extra sprinkles for decoration
This combination of ingredients creates a velvety frosting that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie bars. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating delightful frosted sugar cookie bars is a fun and rewarding baking adventure. With their easy preparation and delicious results, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven
Before we start mixing, the first step is to gather all your ingredients. You'll need:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 additional egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 and ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils)
Don't forget the frosting ingredients!
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, ensuring you leave enough overhang to ease the removal of your bars later.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, grab your handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the softened butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth. Next, add the granulated sugar and mix until the color lightens and the mixture becomes fluffy. Have you ever noticed how the combination of butter and sugar pales once whipped? This step is crucial for achieving an excellent texture in your bars.
Incorporate egg and vanilla
Once you've got that fluffy mix, it's time to add the egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract. Beat these in until they're well combined, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in three parts, blending on low speed. You should see a thick, cookie dough-like consistency form.
Fold in sprinkles and press into the baking pan
Once your dough is combined, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a silicone spatula. This step adds a cheerful touch to your frosted sugar cookie bars. After evenly incorporating the sprinkles, press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake until golden and let cool
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-26 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Keep an eye on these; you're looking for a soft texture—overbaking can lead to dry bars. When done, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the frosting and assemble
While your bars cool, it’s time to whip up the frosting! Beat the unsalted butter until creamy, add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth. If it's too thick, add more cream; if it’s too thin, add more sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
Once your frosted sugar cookie bars are cool and the frosting is ready, spread it generously over the top. For an extra pop of fun, decorate with additional sprinkles. Cut into squares and enjoy your sweet creation!
These bars will impress at any gathering, and you might just find that they vanish faster than you can bake them!
Variations on Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
If you're loving these frosted sugar cookie bars, why not switch things up a bit? Here are two delightful variations that will make your taste buds dance!
Rainbow Sprinkle Cookie Bars
Imagine a festive burst of color in cookie bar form! Simply fold in rainbow sprinkles into your classic cookie dough. This not only adds a fun crunch but also makes these bars a hit at birthday parties or family gatherings. For an extra touch, top your frosted sugar cookie bars with even more sprinkles for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Chocolate Chip Frosted Cookie Bars
For those who can't resist chocolate, this variation is for you! Swap half of the rainbow sprinkles for chocolate chips. The combination of buttery, soft cookie bars with creamy vanilla frosting and melty chocolate will leave you craving more. Pair these bars with a glass of chilled milk or a warm mug of cocoa for the ultimate treat.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with flavors; maybe add some nuts or swap vanilla frosting for chocolate! The possibilities are endless, and each variation is sure to bring joy to your treat table.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Tips for Perfect Texture and Taste
To achieve the ideal texture for your frosted sugar cookie bars, ensure your butter is well-softened. Creaming it with sugar helps create that fluffy base, essential for soft, chewy bars. Avoid overbaking—look for a very lightly browned top after about 25-26 minutes. Remember, a little cornstarch helps maintain tenderness, so don’t skip that ingredient!
Notes on Make-Ahead and Storage Options
These sugar cookie bars can be made a day ahead for convenience. Just store the baked bars covered at room temperature and the frosting in the fridge until you’re ready to frost. They last up to 2 days at room temperature and up to 5 days refrigerated. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, frost, and enjoy! For more details on storing baked goods, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for expert tips.
Serving Suggestions for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Creative ways to serve and enjoy
Frosted sugar cookie bars are perfect for any gathering. Cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a festive touch or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or even a fruity smoothie for an afternoon treat. Consider drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
Perfect occasions for cookie bars
These delightful frosted sugar cookie bars are versatile enough for any celebration! They shine at birthday parties, baby showers, or holiday festivities. Pack them for a picnic or bring them to work for a sweet treat during a team meeting. Their colorful sprinkles evoke a sense of joy and make them an instant hit. No matter the occasion, they add a touch of sweetness that everyone will love.
Time Breakdown for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating delightful frosted sugar cookie bars is easier than you might think! Here's a quick breakdown of the time you'll need to bring this treat to life.
Preparation Time
First up, prep time! You’ll spend about 15 minutes gathering ingredients and getting the dough ready. This includes softening the butter and mixing everything together.
Baking Time
Now, time to put it in the oven! Baking these delicious bars will take around 25-26 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you're aiming for a light golden top while ensuring they remain soft in the center.
Cooling and Assembly Time
Once they’re baked, let your bars cool for approximately 30 minutes. This is crucial for the frosting to stick perfectly. After cooling, you can frost and decorate them, adding about 10 minutes to assemble everything nicely.
With just a little time investment, you’ll have mouthwatering frosted sugar cookie bars ready to impress family and friends! Don't forget to check out tips for room temperature butter to ensure your bars are as fantastic as possible!
Nutritional Facts for Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
When indulging in frosted sugar cookie bars, it's good to know what you're savoring. Each bar offers a delightful balance between flavor and enjoyment. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional facts you'll find in these tasty treats:
Calories
Each serving of these cookie bars packs around 250 calories, making them a sweet but manageable treat for any occasion.
Sugar Content
With about 15 grams of sugar per bar, they provide a burst of sweetness that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard.
Total Fat
These bars contain approximately 12 grams of total fat, contributing to their rich, buttery texture. It's the perfect balance for an enjoyable dessert without being overly indulgent.
For more insights into healthy eating, check out resources from the Mayo Clinic for balanced diet tips or Harvard Health for nutritional guidelines. Enjoy baking and treating yourself with these delightful frosted sugar cookie bars!
FAQs about Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To enjoy frosted sugar cookie bars without gluten, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Look for brands that contain xanthan gum to ensure proper texture. If you're unsure, you can also blend gluten-free flour with almond flour for added flavor and softness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives these bars their classic flavor and texture, margarine is a suitable alternative if needed. Opt for a high-quality margarine that is close to butter in fat content (around 80%). Your bars may have a slightly different taste, but they should still turn out wonderfully!
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your frosted sugar cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you'd like to make them last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience!
Conclusion on Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
In conclusion, you'll absolutely love making these frosted sugar cookie bars! Not only are they quick to whip up, but their soft, chewy texture topped with creamy frosting is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, they guarantee smiles and sweet memories. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try today!
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- handheld mixer
- stand mixer
- 8-inch square pan
- 9-inch Square Pan
- Glass Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Silicone Spatula
- cooling rack
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cups rainbow sprinkles not nonpareils
Vanilla Frosting
- ¾ cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2.25 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- salt to taste
- food coloring optional
- extra sprinkles for decorating on top
Instructions
Making the Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter for about 1 minute on medium speed.
- Add the sugar on medium speed until fluffy and light. Beat in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch in a medium bowl.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients. Fold in sprinkles.
- Press dough evenly into the baking pan. Bake for 25-26 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack before frosting.
Making the Frosting
- Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add confectioners’ sugar, cream, and vanilla extract with the mixer on low.
- Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes, adjusting consistency with sugar or cream.
- Add salt and food coloring if using.
Final Steps
- Remove cooled bars using the aluminum foil overhang. Frost with a thick layer and decorate as desired.
- Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping off the knife after each cut.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5.
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