Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat when you want the flavor of classic sugar cookies without all the rolling and cutting. These soft, thick, buttery bars are baked to perfection in a single sheet pan, then topped with a smooth, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend baking session, sugar cookie bars are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. In just a few steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks beautiful and tastes even better.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re a fan of sugar cookies, you’re going to fall in love with these sugar cookie bars. They have all the irresistible qualities of traditional sugar cookies—sweetness, softness, and buttery goodness—but come together much faster and easier. There’s no need to roll out dough or use cookie cutters. Plus, the thick layer of cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tangy twist that balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars never disappoint.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bar:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
3 teaspoons milk
6 oz cream cheese, softened

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×17-inch jelly roll pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, then beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well blended.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is firm to the touch.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, blend the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and milk until the mixture is creamy and easy to spread.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, then slice into squares and serve.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overbake the bars; they should be soft and lightly golden.

For cleaner cuts, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
Add sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive touch.
Make sure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened for the smoothest frosting.
Use a stand mixer for faster creaming, but a hand mixer works just as well.

Substitutions And Variations

Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Flavor Twist: Add almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a flavor boost.
Colorful Frosting: Tint the frosting with food coloring to match any theme or holiday.
Toppings: Try crushed candies, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut instead of sprinkles.
Shape Options: If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, use a 9×13-inch pan for thicker bars (adjust baking time).

Storage Instructions

Store your sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their presentation.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per bar (based on 24 bars):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g

These nutritional estimates can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.
Serve as a dessert for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks.
Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter after frosting for a fun twist.
Top with fresh berries for a colorful, tangy addition.
Wrap individually for lunchbox treats or bake sale goodies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookie Bars

Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time? Yes! These bars can be baked and frosted a day in advance. Just be sure to store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I freeze sugar cookie bars? Absolutely. Freeze them unfrosted for best results. Once thawed, add the frosting fresh before serving.

Do I need a jelly roll pan? A jelly roll pan is ideal for even thickness and quicker baking, but you can also use a 9×13-inch pan for a thicker, softer version. Just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use store-bought frosting? Yes, but homemade frosting adds a creamier texture and fresher flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking? The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should spring back when touched lightly. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for stopping by to try these sugar cookie bars! They’re one of my go-to desserts because they’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit. The pairing of the tender cookie layer with the luscious cream cheese frosting is truly hard to resist. I sincerely hope you find as much joy in baking (and devouring!) these as I do. Happy baking, and thank you for being a part of our food-loving family!

Sugar Cookie Bars

Author: Lisa
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat with a soft, buttery cookie base and rich cream cheese frosting. Made in one pan—no rolling or cutting needed—these bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet family dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Bars:

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

6 tbsp milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

5 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

4 cups powdered sugar

3 tsp milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×17-inch jelly roll pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, then beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well blended.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center is firm to the touch.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, blend the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and milk until the mixture is creamy and easy to spread.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature butter and cream cheese.

Add sprinkles for festive flair.

Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 3g