Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Perfectly, simple, delicious, traditional sugar cookies are transformed into Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars that are thick, soft, and topped with a cherry buttercream frosting. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration where you want to impress. The delightful blend of sweet sugar cookie flavor and vibrant cherry frosting makes them a standout dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly.
• Flavorful Frosting: The cherry buttercream adds a unique twist that sets these bars apart from traditional cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Makes a Large Batch: With 20 servings per recipe, there’s plenty to share with family and friends.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite sprinkles or other decorations for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by easily creaming the butter and sugar together for a light texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your bars cook uniformly.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookie bars, preventing sogginess as they cool.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following 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 (or 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 Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just mixed.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the dough evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 7: Make Cherry Buttercream Frosting

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter with confectioner’s sugar. Add a pinch of salt, cherry extract (or juice), almond milk or cream, and food gel. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cookie Bars

Once cooled, spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cookie bars. Top with sprinkles for added color and fun.

Enjoy your homemade Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for sharing or savoring solo!

How to Serve Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply enjoying a cozy day at home, these cookie bars are a perfect addition to your dessert table.

Birthday Parties

• Fun Presentation: Cut the bars into fun shapes or sizes and arrange them on colorful plates for a festive look.
• Themed Decorations: Match sprinkles to the party theme for extra flair, making them visually appealing for guests.

Valentine’s Day

• Heart-Shaped Treats: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create special Valentine’s treats that will impress your loved ones.
• Gift Boxes: Package the bars in cute boxes with ribbons as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Holiday Gatherings

• Buffet Style: Set them out on a dessert buffet where guests can help themselves, allowing for easy mingling.
• Pairing with Beverages: Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy pairing that enhances their sweetness.

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How to Perfect Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

To achieve the best results with your Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars, follow these handy tips.

• Bold Mixing Technique: Cream butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a soft texture.
• Bold Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups without packing it down; this prevents dense bars.
• Bold Chill Dough if Needed: If dough is too soft, refrigerate it briefly before spreading it in the pan to make handling easier.
• Bold Frost When Cool: Wait until the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
• Bold Experiment with Flavors: Mix different extracts or add zests for unique flavors in both the cookie and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars can be complemented with several delightful side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
2. Bold Ice Cream: Vanilla or cherry ice cream pairs beautifully, enhancing the dessert experience.
3. Bold Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream on top adds extra creaminess and balances the sweetness.
4. Bold Hot Chocolate: Serve with rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat that guests will love.
5. Bold Coffee: A cup of coffee provides a nice bitter contrast, perfect for adults enjoying dessert time.
6. Bold Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer an additional creamy option that complements the sugar cookies well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always use softened butter for a smooth batter.
• Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is crucial for the right texture. Ensure you measure it correctly for fluffy bars.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cookie bars tough. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Not chilling the dough: If you’re using a thicker batter, chilling helps with spreading. A short chill in the fridge can improve texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookie bars and remove them when they’re lightly golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat a single bar for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars.

How can I customize my Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough before baking. This adds unique flavors and textures.

What should I do if my cookie bars are too dry?

If your bars turn out dry, consider adding a little more butter or almond milk next time. Avoid overbaking as well!

Can I use other extracts instead of cherry?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with vanilla or almond extracts for different flavor profiles in your frosting.

How thick should I cut my cookie bars?

Aim for about 1-inch thick slices. This ensures they hold together well while remaining soft and chewy.

Can I decorate my cookie bars differently?

Absolutely! Use different colored sprinkles or themed decorations based on holidays or occasions to personalize your treats.

Final Thoughts

Frosted Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings together sweetness and softness in every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and decorations easily. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because!