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Why Make This Recipe

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that everyone loves. They are easy to make, and the sweet, soft texture is perfect for any occasion. With a rich frosting on top, these bars bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. They are a great choice for parties, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Making these cookie bars eliminates the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies, making them a simpler option for baking enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 large or extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract
6 cups flour, spooned lightly into the measuring cup and leveled
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract (for frosting)
2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, if needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a half sheet-sized rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture until fully combined.
Press the dough evenly into the baking sheet and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bars are pale but set. Let them cool completely in the baking sheet.
For the frosting, whip the softened butter until it is light. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the almond and vanilla extracts along with milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Spread the frosting on the cooled cookie bars and add colorful sprinkles if you like.
Cut the bars into squares and serve.

Serve these cookie bars at room temperature for the best flavor. They are perfect as a sweet treat at parties or gatherings. You can enjoy them with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Do not overbake the bars; they should be pale when you remove them from the oven.
For a thicker frosting, add less milk; for a thinner frosting, add more.
Experiment with different flavors of extracts to suit your taste.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist or use different colored sprinkles based on the occasion. You might also try flavored frostings like lemon or orange to change things up!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may be different.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them as mentioned above.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract or a different flavor extract of your choice.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace regular flour.
What if I want to cut the recipe in half?
You can easily make half the batch by dividing all the ingredients by two and using a smaller baking dish.

Ellie