Go Back

Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy & Topped With Dreamy Frosting

These Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies—soft, buttery, vanilla-sweet, and topped with a luscious frosting—but without the rolling or cutting. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, frost, slice, and enjoy! Perfect for parties, holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want an easy yet crowd-pleasing dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookie Bar Dough
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp salt
For the Frosting
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: gel food coloring
  • Sprinkles

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  2. Add dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Press Into Pan
  1. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
  2. Press dough evenly into the pan (lightly flour hands if sticky).
Step 4: Bake
  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–18 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but center looks soft—this keeps them chewy.
Step 5: Cool Completely
  1. Let bars cool in the pan before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
  1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually, then add milk, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Color frosting if desired.
Step 7: Frost & Decorate
  1. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
  2. Top with sprinkles.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
  1. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; freeze frosting separately.
Frost right before serving for freshest texture.
🥄 Variations
Funfetti Bars: Add ½ cup sprinkles into the dough.
Lemon Sugar Bars: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest + lemon extract to dough and frosting.
Chocolate Frosted Bars: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the frosting.
Holiday Version: Use themed sprinkles + colored frosting.
Almond Bakery Style: Use almond extract in both dough and frosting.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why are my bars dry?
They were overbaked—remove when center still looks soft.
Can I make these thicker?
Use an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and bake longer.
Can I tint the dough?
Yes—add gel coloring to the dough for themed bars.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and plant milk.
Can I skip the frosting?
Yes—they’re sweet enough to enjoy plain.
Can I freeze the finished bars?
Yes, but frosting might firm up—wrap tightly.
Why is my frosting too sweet?
Add an extra pinch of salt or more milk.
How do I get sharp, clean slices?
Chill bars for 20 minutes before cutting.
Can I use brown sugar?
A tablespoon adds great flavor—don’t replace all of it.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes—bake one day ahead and frost before serving.
🏁 Conclusion
These Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, beautifully frosted, and incredibly easy to make—offering all the charm of decorated sugar cookies with a fraction of the work. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or any sweet craving, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert favorite.