Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Perfectly, simple, delicious, traditional sugar cookies transformed into soft, thick sugar cookie bars frosted with a cherry buttercream frosting that will knock your socks off! These Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Their delightful flavor and charming appearance make them a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of soft sugar cookies and rich cherry buttercream creates a dessert that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity shine with sprinkles or other toppings for a personalized touch.
• Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with family and friends; they’re sure to impress!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Preparing your workspace beforehand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process for the buttercream frosting.
• Baking pan: Ensures even baking of your cookie bars.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly over the bars.

Ingredients

Perfectly, simple, delicious, traditional sugar cookies transformed into soft, thick sugar cookie bars frosted with a cherry buttercream frosting that will knock your socks off!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks, softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cherry Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened)
• 3 – 4 cups confectioner’s sugar (sifted)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons cherry extract or vanilla extract (can also use maraschino cherry juice 2-3 tablespoons)
• 2-3 tablespoons almond milk or cream
• 1-2 drops pink food gel
• Sprinkles

How to Make Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly using butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Bar Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars

Pour the cookie bar batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make Cherry Buttercream Frosting

In another bowl:
1. Beat together the softened unsalted butter, sifted confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
2. Add in the cherry extract, almond milk or cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Mix in pink food gel until you achieve your desired color.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once your cookie bars are cool:
1. Spread the cherry buttercream frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Finish with sprinkles if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. They are easy to serve and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for parties or family gatherings.

For Birthdays

• Present these cookie bars on a colorful platter. Add fun birthday-themed decorations for extra flair.

With Ice Cream

• Pair the cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is irresistible.

At Picnics

• Cut the cookie bars into small squares and pack them in a container. They make an excellent portable dessert option for outdoor events.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual bars in clear plastic wrap with a ribbon. These make delightful party favors that guests will love to take home.

For Valentine’s Day

• Decorate the frosted bars with heart-shaped sprinkles. This adds a festive touch, making them ideal for the romantic occasion.

How to Perfect Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Making the perfect Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use softened butter: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookie bars soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Sift confectioner’s sugar: Sifting helps prevent lumps in your frosting, resulting in a smooth, creamy topping.
• Let cool completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a perfect layer of icing.

Best Side Dishes for Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars perfectly.
2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries beside your cookie bars for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
   These provide an elegant touch, enhancing the dessert experience with rich chocolate flavor.
4. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda, which can create an interesting sweet-savory combination when paired with dessert.
5. Nut Mix
   A simple blend of roasted nuts offers a crunchy texture and salty flavor that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
6. Mini Cupcakes
   Serve mini cupcakes alongside your cookie bars for variety; they are always a hit at parties!
7. Banana Bread Slices
   Moist banana bread complements the sweetness of sugar cookie bars while offering another delightful baked treat option.
8. Coffee or Tea
   A warm cup of coffee or tea rounds out dessert time perfectly, enhancing the flavors of both drinks and sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not softening the butter: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookie bars. Always ensure your butter is softened for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make the bars tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep them tender and soft.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in flat bars. If you have time, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can dry out the bars. Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature may lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps them fresh longer and prevents drying out.
• Duration: Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap individually: For best results, wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Duration: They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per bar, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, cover lightly with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars?
These are thick, soft sugar cookies baked in a bar form and topped with a creamy frosting, making them easy to cut and serve.

Can I use different extracts for flavoring?
Yes! While cherry extract adds a delightful flavor, feel free to experiment with vanilla or almond extracts based on your preference.

How do I achieve the perfect frosting consistency?
Start with softened butter and gradually add confectioner’s sugar. Adjust with almond milk as needed until you reach your desired spreadable consistency.

Can I make these Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.

Do these cookie bars need to be refrigerated after frosting?
While they can be left at room temperature for short periods, it’s best to refrigerate them if you want to preserve their freshness longer.

Final Thoughts

These Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. Their thick texture pairs perfectly with the sweet cherry buttercream frosting. Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite sprinkles or even different flavored extracts. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a sweet treat at home, these cookie bars are sure to impress!