Frosted Sugar Bars

There’s just something about sugar cookies that never gets old, right? These Frosted Sugar Bars are my easy way to enjoy that same soft, sweet flavor—without all the cookie cutting. They’re thick, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.

I started making these when I wanted something simple for busy days but still special enough to share. The dough bakes up soft and chewy, and the frosting? Oh, it’s smooth and sweet with just the right touch of vanilla. Every bite feels like a little celebration.

They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day you just need a little treat. I love adding sprinkles for color or leaving them plain for that classic look. Either way, they always disappear fast.

So, grab your mixing bowl and a pan, and let’s whip up these Frosted Sugar Bars. They’re quick, fun, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth Texture: These sugar bars are soft, tender, and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply indulging in a mid-week treat, these sugar bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Quick & Easy to Make: No need for rolling out dough or complicated techniques. These bars are made in one bowl and baked in a pan—simple and delicious!
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the frosting or add toppings. I’ll share plenty of ideas for variation below!
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting is the perfect finishing touch—smooth, tangy, and perfectly sweetened with a burst of lemon juice to make it irresistible.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have these kitchen tools handy:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a medium bowl for your dry ingredients and a large bowl for mixing the wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (or Hand Whisk): An electric mixer makes quick work of creaming the butter and sugar, but a hand whisk will work too.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to the best results, so make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: A standard 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper (optional): Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the bars after baking and cutting.
• Cooling Rack: Allow the bars to cool completely on a rack before frosting them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fabulous sugar bars (all measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Sugar Bars:

• Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup (170.25 g), softened to room temperature. This will give the bars their buttery flavor and soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200 g), to make the bars perfectly sweet and to help them achieve that golden color.
• Egg: 1 large egg, which helps bind everything together and provides richness.
• Egg Yolk: 1 egg yolk, adding extra tenderness and richness to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
• Almond Extract (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon for an optional nutty note that adds depth to the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups (281.25 g), the main dry ingredient that provides structure to the bars.
• Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (32 g), which gives the bars a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, to help the bars rise slightly and get that light, chewy texture.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113.5 g), softened to room temperature. It blends beautifully with the cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113.4 g), which is essential for the signature tangy and rich flavor in the frosting.
• Lemon Juice: 1 1/2 teaspoons, for a slight tang and freshness in the frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar bars.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to add a touch of warmth and depth to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: 2 1/2 cups (300 g), to sweeten the frosting and give it that perfect smooth consistency.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: For garnish, because who doesn’t love a pop of color on their dessert?

Variations for Frosted Sugar Bars

Sugar bars are wonderfully versatile! You can customize them to fit any flavor profile or occasion. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Add Lemon Zest to the Bars: For an extra citrusy punch, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the sugar bar dough.
• Swap the Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you could also try a buttercream frosting or even a glaze for a lighter topping.
• Chocolate Chip Sugar Bars: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a deliciously chocolatey version of this treat.
• Coconut Frosting: Add toasted shredded coconut to the frosting for a tropical twist.
• Use Different Sprinkles: Switch up the sprinkles for holidays or special occasions! Red and green for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day.
• Add a Fruit Flavor: Swirl in fruit purees or top with fresh berries before serving for a fruity twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the texture becoming smooth and slightly pale in color.

2. Add the Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) and mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. This will help ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients and help the baking soda activate properly.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients into the Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense bars. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

5. Bake the Sugar Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it down gently with your fingers or a spatula to make sure it’s smooth.

Bake the sugar bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the bars should remain soft and chewy.

6. Cool the Bars

Allow the sugar bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. You want them to be completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make the frosting by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

8. Frost the Bars

Once the sugar bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Finish by garnishing with rainbow sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.

9. Slice and Serve

Slice the frosted sugar bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Bars

These frosted sugar bars are perfect for a wide variety of occasions:

• Parties and Gatherings: These bars make an excellent dessert for birthdays, potlucks, or any casual get-together.
• Family Desserts: Serve them as an after-dinner treat for your family, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
• Holidays: Switch up the sprinkles to match the season—red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July, or gold and silver for New Year’s.
• Bake Sale Treats: They’re easy to cut into squares and wrap for bake sales or gifting.

Storing Frosted Sugar Bars

To keep your sugar bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving.

If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week as well. Just bring it back to room temperature before spreading on fresh bars or any other baked goods.

Nutrition with Table Format

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional information for one frosted sugar bar (based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	240 kcal
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	35 mg
Sodium	90 mg
Total Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Sugars	23 g
Protein	2 g
Vitamin A	6% DV
Vitamin C	0% DV
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	2% DV

Conclusion

Frosted sugar bars are the perfect dessert to make for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and the tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to prepare while still delivering a rich, indulgent treat that tastes like it took hours to make.

Whether you’re enjoying them with family, serving them at a party, or just craving something sweet, these sugar bars are always a great choice. Add a little sprinkles for fun, or experiment with different frosting flavors—the possibilities are endless. Make a batch today, and watch them disappear before your eyes!