Easy Sugar Cookie Bars

Category: Sweet Treats

These bars come out soft and light because butter and sugar are whipped till fluffy. The dough is mixed gently so it stays tender. During baking, edges turn golden while the middle stays firm. When cool, spread creamy frosting and add colorful sprinkles for a festive feel. You’ll have them ready in just 40 minutes, making it a quick and tasty treat.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:12:39 GMT
A delicious meal of cake with white frosting and sprinkles. Save
A delicious meal of cake with white frosting and sprinkles. | chefsnaps.com

These sugar cookie bars bring a fun Valentine's flair that's great for sharing sweet moments. They're soft with a buttery feel, topped off with creamy frosting and bright sprinkles that make each bite a little party.

The first time I made these bars was for a Valentine's potluck and they vanished way faster than I'd hoped. Now, they're my easy choice when I want something special but quick and fuss-free.

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sugar cookie bars on a plate with heart shapes on them.
Sugar cookie bars on a plate with heart shapes on them. | chefsnaps.com

One of the best things to bake with kids. They love spreading frosting and tossing sprinkles on top, which makes it even more fun. The gentle almond hint always reminds me of cozy days spent baking at home.

How to Store

Switch Up Ingredients

Best Things to Serve With

Sugar cookie bars with pink frosting and sprinkles on a plate.
Sugar cookie bars with pink frosting and sprinkles on a plate. | chefsnaps.com

Think of these sugar bars like a blank slate for your ideas. Mix up flavors, frostings, and sprinkles to create a treat that’s totally your own and full of personality.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Why do these bars stay soft and tender?

Whipping butter and sugar traps air which helps keep them soft. Mixing dough carefully stops it from getting tough.

→ Is it okay to swap almond extract for something else?

Sure, you can use vanilla or lemon extract instead. They add nice flavor without changing how the bars feel.

→ How can I tell when the bars are baked right?

Check for edges that are lightly browned and a center that’s set and not wobbly when you move it.

→ What type of frosting should I put on these bars?

Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works great. They’re smooth and go well with the soft cookies.

→ What’s the best way to keep leftover bars fresh?

Store them in a container that’s airtight, at room temperature, and they’ll stay good for about three days.

→ Can I bake these bars ahead of time for a party?

Yes, baking a day before and frosting right before serving is a smart way to save time and keep them fresh.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft sugar cookie bars with frosting and fun sprinkles, great for Valentine’s day sweets.

Preparation Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Sweet Treats

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Serving Amount: 12 Number of Servings (12 bars)

Dietary Options: Great for Vegetarians

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Dry Stuff

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 344 grams plain flour
03 1 teaspoon baking powder

→ Wet Stuff

04 300 grams sugar
05 1 teaspoon vanilla
06 227 grams softened unsalted butter
07 1 big egg
08 1/2 teaspoon almond flavor

→ Toppings

09 Some sprinkle toppings
10 240 ml frosting you like

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Heat your oven to 175°C. Oil or line a 23x33 cm pan with paper to make taking the bars out easier.

Step 02

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Put it aside for now.

Step 03

Whip the softened butter and sugar with a mixer or hand whisk till it’s fluffy and lighter in color. This makes the bars soft.

Step 04

Pour in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts into the butter mix. Stir till you get a smooth blend.

Step 05

Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet stuff. Stir just enough to get a soft, even dough. Don’t stir too much or it’ll get tough.

Step 06

Press the dough evenly into your lined pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so it’s all the same thickness.

Step 07

Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes till the edges look golden and the middle feels set. Let it cool down right there in the pan.

Step 08

Once the bars are cool, spread your frosting all over and add sprinkles on top. Cut into 12 pieces and enjoy.

Helpful Tips

  1. Getting the butter and sugar fluffy makes these bars tender and soft.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Bowls to mix
  • Mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) pan
  • Oven
  • Rack to cool

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has gluten, eggs, and dairy
  • Frosting and sprinkles might have nuts

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Content: ~