Sugar Cookie Bars
If you love sugar cookies, you’re going to loveee these sugar cookie bars. They’re soft, thick, buttery, and topped with sweet frosting and crunchy sprinkles—basically everything you love about a classic sugar cookie, just way quicker (and easier) to make.
What are sugar cookie bars?
Take all the things you love about sugar cookies—thick, chewy vanilla cookies with sweet frosting and crunchy sprinkles—and turn them into bars.
That means no scooping, no multiple baking trays, and no chilling. Just make the dough, spread into a pan, bake, cool, and decorate.
Switch it up: Ways to Customize Sugar Cookie Bars
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch up the flavours—either by adding ingredients to the dough or changing up the topping.
Ways to change the sugar cookie bar base:
- Add 1 tsp lemon extract – for a fresh, zesty twist
- Add chopped nuts – for a bit of crunch and texture
- Add chocolate chips – because chocolate makes everything better
Ways to change the sugar cookie bar frosting:
- Add a swirl of Nutella or Biscoff – for a rich, indulgent flavour
- Top with whipped cream and strawberries – for a summery vibe
- Pour over melted chocolate – it looks gorgeous and sets into a snappy topping
- Or… leave it plain – for a sweet treat that isn’t too sweet
One bowl please…
Now, I love a one bowl recipe. Not only is it easier to make but also easier to clean up, overall this way makes baking feel way less stressful.
So, if you’re new to baking or just want an easy weekend bake, this is the perfect recipe for it. Honestly, it’s simple recipes like this that got me into baking.
Ingredient Notes – Sugar Cookie Bars
The ingredients you’ll need for these Sugar Cookie Bars and what they do:
Butter – for the buttery sugar cookie base and the silky buttercream frosting.
Sugar + Icing Sugar – of course! For some much needed sweetness.
Eggs – to bind the bars and make them softer.
Plain Flour / All purpose Flour – is the base for the sugar cookie bars.
Baking Powder – to add some lift and lightness.
Vanilla Extract – adds that classic vanilla scent and flavour.
Salt – to balance everything out.
Raspberry Jam – optional, but adds a sweet tart flavour and a gorgeous swirl of red.
Sprinkles – are the perfect topping for these whimsical sugar cookie bars.
How to make Sugar Cookie Bars
- Start by preheating your oven to 170°C and lining an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Then, fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough into your prepared tin and spread it out into an even layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden or the top and around the edges. The centre should still be soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, add all of the frosting ingredients into a large bowl and beat until smooth and creamy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, add a few teaspoons of raspberry jam (if using), and gently swirl.
- Then top with lots of sprinkles.
- Allow the frosting to set, then slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!
How long do these sugar cookie bars last?
Whenever I make these sugar cookie bars, they go fasttt.
But if you do have leftovers, they’re great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft and moist for up to a week.
They also make a great gift or addition to a treat box – as you can easily switch up the toppings accordingly.
Best tips and tricks for baking Sugar Cookie Bars:
- Leave it plain – if you prefer a sweet treat, that isn’t too sweet, you can keep these plain and skip the frosting, for sweet chewy sugar cookie bars that are not overly sweet.
- Use room temperature cream butter – this makes all the difference. Using the room temperature butter, will make the dough soft and super easy to make.
- Allow the frosting to set – before cutting, this will make the bars easier to cut and give you that bakery style look.
- The recipe video is on my TikTok and IG – please tag me @aceofspoons if you make this recipe!
Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Stand or Hand Mixer
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking tray (baking pan)
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars Base
- 240 g plain or all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 150 g room temperature butter (2/3 cup)
- 200 g white sugar (1 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Sugar Cookie Bars Frosting
- 100 g softened butter
- 250 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk of choice
Other Ingredients
- 3 tsp raspberry jam (optional)
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 170°C and lining an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Then, fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough into your prepared tin and spread it out into an even layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden or the top and around the edges. The centre should still be soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, add all of the frosting ingredients into a large bowl and beat until smooth and creamy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, add a few teaspoons of raspberry jam (if using), and gently swirl.
- Then top with lots of sprinkles.
- Allow the frosting to set, then slice into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Leave it plain – if you prefer a sweet treat, that isn’t too sweet, you can keep these plain and skip the frosting, for sweet chewy sugar cookie bars that are not overly sweet.
- Use room temperature cream butter – this makes all the difference. Using the room temperature butter, will make the dough soft and super easy to make.
- Allow the frosting to set – before cutting, this will make the bars easier to cut and give you that bakery style look.
- The recipe video is on my TikTok and IG – please tag me @aceofspoons if you make this recipe!
