Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla and Almond Frosting Recipe
Classic Sugar Cookie Bars with a soft, buttery base and a smooth, sweet frosting. This easy-to-make dessert combines the flavors of vanilla and almond extracts, topped with optional colorful sprinkles for extra fun. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime a sweet treat is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (248g) all purpose flour
Frosting
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (339g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–3 tablespoons (5-15ml) milk or heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles and/or food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make cookie dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and beat until combined. Then mix in the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing slowly until just combined to form a dough.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan using your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 14-19 minutes. The edges will turn golden, and the center might look slightly underdone. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer until creamy. Add the salt and gradually sift in powdered sugar until the mixture is crumbly if using a hand mixer, or smooth if using a stand mixer. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy, adding more milk one teaspoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Optionally tint the frosting with food coloring.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let the frosting set before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty flavor to the cookies.
- You can customize the frosting color with food coloring and add decorative sprinkles for festive occasions.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Use foil to easily lift the bars from the pan for clean slicing.
