These Sugar Cookie Bars are so yummy and much easier to make than traditional sugar cookies! The dough is baked in one pan, then topped with a homemade vanilla frosting. Just slice and enjoy!

For more delicious bar dessert recipes, be sure to check out my Nutella S’mores Bars, Lemon Cheesecake Bars, and Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars.

bars with pink frosting and sprinkles

If you’re looking for a special treat to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any day) these sugar cookie bars would be perfect!

They are a lot easier to make than regular sugar cookies since the dough is baked altogether in one baking pan, topped with frosting, then cut into bars.

close up shot of a bite taken from a sugar cookie bar

I made these with half white sugar and half brown sugar because I am a brown sugar addict. I love the flavor and texture it gives to these bars compared to using all white sugar. 

sugar cookie bars next to a bowl of sprinkles

The vanilla frosting I made to go with these is my go-to frosting recipe. I like it on just about anything! But you could definitely use store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch.

  • unsalted butter
  • brown sugar
  • granulated white sugar
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • all purpose flour
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • powdered sugar
  • milk
  • food coloring + sprinkles
ingredients laid out on a marble background to make sugar cookie bars
Step 1: Preheat Oven
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
 
Step 2: Make batter
 
In a large bowl, beat together 1 stick of softened butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. I let mine beat for about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
 
Step 3: Add dry ingredients
 
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the batter a little at a time, beating over low speed. 
 
step by step photos of how to make sugar cookie bars
 
Step 4: Bake
 
Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake your sugar cookie bars in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
 
Step 5: Make frosting
 
To prepare frosting: beat together 1 stick of softened butter and the powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and milk and continue beating. Add in food coloring if desired.
 
Step 6: Decorate and serve
 
Spread frosting over the top of the cooled bars and top with sprinkles, if desired. Slice and enjoy!
the top of a sugar cookie bar with sprinkles

Tips and Notes

  • Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes removal of your sugar cookie bars much easier, plus makes cleanup better, too. If you line it so that the paper overhangs the sides of your pan, you can use the flaps to lift the bars out of the pan, then place it on a cutting board to slice.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs. Your ingredients will blend together more seamlessly with room temperature ingredients, and your dough will rise more easily as well. 
  • Customize your toppings. Feel free to change up the color of your frosting and the theme of your sprinkles. These bars can be made to match just about any holiday or event you might be celebrating!
sugar cookie bars next to a bowl of sprinkles

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.

To freeze your sugar cookie bars, I recommend placing them in the refrigerator for a few hours first to allow the frosting to stiffen up. That way you can stack bars together before freezing without worrying about the frosting getting smushed.

Just place the chilled bars in a freezer safe container or zipper freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before enjoying.

bars with pink frosting and sprinkles

More Valentine’s Day Treats You Might Enjoy!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

bars with pink frosting and sprinkles
5 from 43 ratings

Recipe: Sugar Cookie Bars

Yield: 12 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
These Sugar Cookie Bars are so yummy and much easier to make than traditional sugar cookies! The dough is baked in one pan, then topped with a homemade vanilla frosting. Just slice and enjoy!
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Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Bars:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • pink food coloring and sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat together 1 stick of softened butter, brown sugar, and white granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. I let mine beat for about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
  • In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the batter a little at a time, beating over low speed.
  • Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
  • To prepare frosting: beat together 1 stick of softened butter and the powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and milk and continue beating. Add in food coloring if desired.
  • Spread frosting over the top of the cooled bars and top with sprinkles, if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes removal of your sugar cookie bars much easier, plus makes cleanup better, too. If you line it so that the paper overhangs the sides of your pan, you can use the flaps to lift the bars out of the pan, then place it on a cutting board to slice.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs. Your ingredients will blend together more seamlessly with room temperature ingredients, and your dough will rise more easily as well. 
  • Customize your toppings. Feel free to change up the color of your frosting and the theme of your sprinkles. These bars can be made to match just about any holiday or event you might be celebrating!
  • How to Store: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days.
  • How to freeze: To freeze your sugar cookie bars, I recommend placing them in the refrigerator for a few hours first to allow the frosting to stiffen up. That way you can stack bars together without worrying about the frosting getting smushed. Just place the chilled bars in a freezer safe container or zipper freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before enjoying.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen
Calories: 282kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 219mg, Potassium: 37mg, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 375IU, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.8mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.