Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to desserts, I am typically someone who requires chocolate. I love a gooey brownie or cookie loaded with chocolate chips, and dark chocolate peanut butter cups are my favorite candy to keep on hand. But when I first tried the epic chilled sugar cookie at Crumbl, I know I could be a sugar cookie fan if I made them the right way. For me, that requires a soft, not crunchy sugar cookie base, a whipped cream cheese frosting since the tang of cream cheese helps cut the richness of the sugar and butter, and almond extract. Almond extract elevates just about every baked good and is an absolute must in sugar cookies, like these frosted sugar cookie bars. I’ve used valentine sprinkles in honor of the holiday, but these are easy to customize for whatever occasion!

Ingredients for Frosted Sugar Cookies

• Butter: You can’t have sugar cookies without butter! We are using a whole cup of butter in the cookie bars and an additional 1/4 cup of butter in the frosting. Make sure everything is softened before you get started.
• Granulated and Powdered Sugars: We are using granulated sugar in the cookie bars and powdered sugar in the frosting.
• Eggs: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before you get started or the creamed butter and sugar mixture will curdle.
• Vanilla and Almond Extracts: I’ve said it a million times, but the key to really good baked goods is using both vanilla and almond extracts. A little goes a long way with the almond extract, and we are using it in both the frosting and in the cookies themselves.
• Flour: All-purpose flour goes into these bars!
• Baking Powder: Baking powder is used as a leavener, which means these bars won’t get very browned. Baking soda is what causes that! Baking soda, when added to food, can increase the pH level, which can enhance browning by encouraging the Maillard reaction and caramelization. Since we are only using baking powder to keep the sugar cookies soft without chewy edges, you won’t see that browning to indicate the bars are done cooking!
• Salt: Don’t skip the salt in your baked goods!
• Cream Cheese: I prefer a cream cheese frosting over a classic buttercream, and I think it’s the perfect pair with these sugary bars.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used to thin the frosting to spreadable consistency.
• Food coloring and sprinkles: Use whatever you’d like to be festive and seasonal! I’m using a Valentine’s Day theme here, but you can also leave the frosting color white and add rainbow sprinkles for cookie bars that are perfect for any time of year.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

• First, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in your eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla and almond extracts and beat again.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Spread the batter in the prepared pan with oiled hands or an oiled spatula since the batter is sticky!
• Bake for 16-18 minutes. Do not overbake!
• Once cooled, make your frosting by mixing together the cream cheese and butter, then adding the powdered sugar. Mix in the almond and vanilla extracts. While the mixer is running, slowly add in the heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.
• Spread the frosting over the bars and top with sprinkles! To make it easier to get clean slices, refrigerate to chill first.

No matter what occasion you make these frosted sugar cookie bars for, they are sure to be a crowd pleaser! They are so soft and delicious and are guaranteed to be a recipe that everyone will love!