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These frosted sugar cookie bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic sugar cookie flavor but doesn't want to fuss with rolling and cutting individual cookies. The soft, cake-like base topped with creamy, colorful frosting makes these an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
I first made these for my niece's birthday party when I was running short on time. The rainbow frosting was such a hit that they've become my signature dessert for every family gathering since.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: ensures you control the salt level and creates that rich cookie base
- Cream cheese: adds tang and keeps the bars tender and moist
- Granulated sugar: provides the perfect sweetness without being overwhelming
- Vanilla extract: brings warmth and depth to both cookie base and frosting
- Almond extract: is the secret ingredient that elevates these beyond ordinary sugar cookies
- All purpose flour: creates structure while maintaining softness
- Baking powder and soda: work together for the ideal rise and texture
- Powdered sugar: makes the frosting smooth and spreadable
- Food coloring paste: gives vibrant color without thinning the frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Base:
- Beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg for a full 4 minutes until fluffy and light. This extended beating time incorporates air into the mixture, creating a softer texture in the final bars. Add the extracts and continue beating to distribute the flavors evenly throughout.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl, mixing thoroughly. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed so your bars rise properly and have consistent texture throughout.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat for 2 minutes. This seems like a long time, but it properly develops the structure while keeping the dough soft and spreadable.
- Bake and Cool:
- Press the dough evenly into a jelly roll pan and bake at 350°F for exactly 20 minutes. The bars will look slightly underdone but will set up as they cool. Allow to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat butter and cream cheese until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until silky. Divide into bowls and add food coloring as desired for a festive presentation.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread each color of frosting onto sections of the cooled cookie base. Add sprinkles if desired, then cut into squares for serving.
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I particularly love the combination of vanilla and almond extracts in these bars. The almond extract adds that distinctive bakery flavor that makes everyone ask for your secret. My grandmother always added a drop of almond extract to her sugar cookies, and continuing that tradition makes me feel connected to her every time I bake these.
Storage Solutions
These frosted sugar cookie bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. The texture remains surprisingly soft even when chilled. If you need to stack them for storage, place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil.
Seasonal Variations
Transform these bars for any holiday or special occasion with simple color changes. For Christmas, use red and green frosting with holiday sprinkles. Valentine's Day calls for pink and white with heart sprinkles. Easter celebrations shine with pastel colors. Halloween can feature orange and black frosting with spooky sprinkles. For birthday parties, match the frosting colors to the party theme or birthday person's favorite colors. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for year-round baking.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet bars benefit from being served with something to balance their richness. A cold glass of milk is the classic pairing, especially for children. For adults, try serving with unsweetened coffee or tea to contrast with the sweetness. For a dessert table, these bars complement fruit-based desserts beautifully. Their vanilla-almond flavor profile also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes these cookie bars soft and moist?
The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough ensures a soft and moist texture.
- → How can I customize the frosting colors?
You can use different paste food colorings to create vibrant, custom colors for the frosting.
- → Can I make smaller servings from the bars?
Yes, you can cut the bars into smaller pieces to create more servings and reduce the calories per serving.
- → How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- → Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them and add the frosting before serving.