Sugar Cookie Bars

If you love classic sugar cookies but want to skip the hassle of rolling and cutting, sugar cookie bars are your new best friend. These buttery, soft bars deliver all the nostalgic flavor of traditional sugar cookies with half the effort. Baked in a single pan and topped with a generous layer of fluffy frosting (and, of course, plenty of sprinkles), they're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because. Whether you're short on time or just craving something sweet and simple, sugar cookie bars check all the boxes.

What I love most about these sugar bars is how customizable they can be! Simply change the sprinkles to match any theme (Christmas, Halloween, Baby shower) or add food coloring to the frosting.

What takes these sugar cookie bars from delicious to downright irresistible? The cream cheese frosting. Its rich, tangy flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie base, adding a smooth, luxurious layer that melts in every bite. Unlike overly sweet buttercreams, cream cheese frosting brings a subtle depth that complements the soft, buttery bars without overpowering them. It’s the topping that makes people go back for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

In addition to the smooth frosting, the sugar cookie bars are packed with almond and vanilla extracts that create the perfect flavor for these chewy bars.

Ingredients

• Butter

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Egg yolk

• Vanilla extract

• Almond extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Sprinkles - I used Trader Joe’s dye-free sprinkles for this recipe.

Storing

Once you’ve baked and frosted your sugar cookie bars to soft, sweet perfection, the next step is making sure they stay that way. Because these bars are topped with cream cheese frosting, proper storage is essential—not just for maintaining freshness and texture, but also for food safety.

After the bars are frosted and any decorations are added, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to help the frosting set slightly. Then, transfer the bars to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper if you’re stacking them. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the bars will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the cream cheese frosting while keeping the bars soft and flavorful.

If you’re planning ahead or find yourself with leftovers, sugar cookie bars also freeze beautifully. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this helps prevent smudging the frosting. Once frozen, stack the bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.

Whether you’re prepping for a party or savoring them one square at a time, proper storage ensures your sugar cookie bars stay as delicious as the day you made them.

I don’t know about you, but making anything that requires frosting is top tier for me. Frosting just adds the perfect touch to desserts, and when frosting desserts, it gives you a chance to feel like a professional.

If you make and love these sugar cookie bars, let me know below! Bonus points if you post a picture with your sprinkle choice!

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Sugar Cookie Bars

Yield: 24

Author: Jaegar Desjardin

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 28 MinTotal time: 48 Min

Soft, chewy, and sweet, these sugar cookie bars are an easy twist on the classic treat—no rolling or cutting required! Topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles, they’re perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks at room temperature).
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sprinkles for topping (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (extract works too).
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachement add the butter and mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until nice and creamy. Next add the sugar and mix for 2-3 minutes until nice and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
4. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix the ingredients on the lowest setting until just combined.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and use your hands to push the batter throughout the pan evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 24-26 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
6. For the frosting: Add the softened cream cheese and softened butter to a bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip the two together until combined. Add the powdered sugar and salt and whip until creamy. Then, add the vanilla bean paste (or extract), milk, and whip a little longer. If the frosting is too creamy, add extra powdered sugar a spoonful at a time. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of milk a 1/2 tablespoon at a time.
7. Frost the blondies and top with your favorite sprinkles (optional)
8. Serve and Enjoy!

Equipment

1. 9x13 baking pan
2. Stand mixer
3. Parchment paper
4. Wire rack
5. Spatula
6. Bowls

Notes

• Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator for up to one hour before making the frosting. Cream cheese is only good for up to 2 hours at room temperature.