Soft & Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Lofthouse-Style Homemade Treat
Imagine a dessert that brings a burst of color and a wave of nostalgia with every bite. These delightful frosted sugar cookie bars are exactly that! Super soft, wonderfully chewy, and incredibly moist, they’re the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a palette of pinks and reds, adding vibrant hues to an Easter brunch, marking a special birthday, or simply craving a comforting homemade cookie, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in edible form, designed to bring smiles and joy. What truly sets this frosted sugar cookie bar recipe apart is its incredible versatility. You’re the artist here, free to mix and match frosting colors to your heart’s content, creating an ultra-colorful and irresistibly pretty dessert that’s as unique as your gathering. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness, crafted with love, that will undoubtedly become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Adore These Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookie Bars
For many, the mention of “frosted sugar cookies” immediately brings to mind those iconic Lofthouse cookies found in the grocery store bakery section. You know the ones – with their distinctive soft, cake-like texture, generously thick layer of pastel frosting, and a scattering of colorful sprinkles, always neatly packaged in a plastic container, ready to brighten any day. They’re a classic for a reason, evoking feelings of childhood joy and simple indulgence, and often appearing in seasonal colors for every holiday imaginable.
This recipe for frosted sugar cookie bars aims to capture that beloved Lofthouse essence, but in an even more convenient and delightful bar form. While they aren’t an exact duplicate – indeed, our homemade version often surpasses the store-bought – they deliver the same comforting satisfaction and irresistible appeal. The magic lies in their incredibly soft and tender crumb, paired with a dreamy, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Making them in a pan as bars instead of individual cut-out cookies saves a significant amount of time and effort, making this an ideal recipe for when you need to feed a crowd or simply want that comforting cookie experience without the fuss. Plus, the ability to customize the frosting colors makes them perfect for any celebration, ensuring they’ll put an identical, happy smile on your face, just like those nostalgic cookies from the store.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cookie Bars
Crafting these irresistibly soft and colorful sugar cookie bars requires a selection of common pantry staples, ensuring that this delightful treat is accessible to every home baker. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature tender texture and rich flavor that makes these bars so special. You’ll find all precise measurements, a comprehensive list of ingredients, and detailed step-by-step instructions in the convenient printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. For now, let’s take a quick look at the stars of the show that will come together to create your delectable dessert.
For the cookie base, you’ll need butter and cream cheese for an unparalleled tenderness and a slight tang, granulated sugar for sweetness and structure, a large egg for binding, and vanilla and almond extracts to infuse a classic, warm flavor. All-purpose flour forms the bulk of the dough, while baking powder and baking soda provide the perfect lift, resulting in a wonderfully cakey yet chewy bar. The luscious frosting is a simple combination of softened butter and cream cheese for creaminess, powdered sugar for smooth sweetness, milk to adjust consistency, and more vanilla extract for depth of flavor. And, of course, vibrant gel food coloring allows you to transform your frosting into any shade you desire, making each batch truly unique.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for Success & Easy Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients and their roles can elevate your baking from good to absolutely fantastic. Here are some insights and substitution suggestions to ensure your frosted sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Butter & Cream Cheese: Always use softened butter and cream cheese for both the cookie dough and the frosting. This ensures proper creaming with the sugar, resulting in a smooth, airy base and a lump-free, silky frosting. If your ingredients are too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy mixture and an overmixed dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard granulated sugar is perfect for the cookie base, providing sweetness and contributing to the tender crumb.
- Eggs: A large egg helps bind the ingredients and adds richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Vanilla & Almond Extract: These two extracts create a beautifully balanced flavor profile reminiscent of classic sugar cookies. While vanilla is a must, the almond extract adds a unique depth that truly makes these bars special. If you’re not a fan of almond, you can simply use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead.
- All-Purpose Flour: For best results, measure your flour accurately. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
- Leavening Agents (Baking Powder & Baking Soda): These work together to give the cookie bars their signature soft, slightly cakey rise. Ensure they are fresh for optimal effectiveness.
- Powdered Sugar (for Frosting): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is essential for a smooth, creamy frosting. Sifting it can help prevent lumps, though a good beat in a stand mixer usually takes care of it.
- Milk (for Frosting): A few tablespoons of milk help achieve the perfect frosting consistency. Start with the smaller amount and add more gradually until your frosting is smooth and spreadable, but not too thin. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- FOOD COLORING: As mentioned, gel food coloring is highly recommended over liquid food coloring for this recipe. Gel colors are concentrated, meaning you need only a tiny amount to achieve vibrant, rich hues. This is crucial because liquid food coloring can thin out your frosting, altering its perfect smooth and stable texture. With gel, you get brilliant color without compromising consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake and Frost Your Sugar Cookie Bars
These detailed step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly delicious recipe. For a complete, print-friendly version with all precise measurements and instructions, you can effortlessly Jump to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this page.
Making the Sugar Cookie Bar Base:
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and the large egg. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed for approximately 4 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and notably frothy. This aeration is key to the cookie bars’ tender texture. Then, reduce the speed to low and incorporate the vanilla extract and almond extract, beating for just an additional minute to ensure they are fully blended.
- In a separate, small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent rise.
- Gradually add the prepared flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes, or until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookie bars.
- Evenly press the cookie dough into a large, lightly greased and floured jelly roll (cookie sheet) pan, spreading it all the way to the edges. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting stage; this prevents the frosting from melting.
Preparing the Creamy Frosting:
- To prepare the frosting, in a medium-sized bowl or the clean bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese. Beat these together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, light, and free of any lumps.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, starting on low speed to prevent a mess, then increasing to medium-high. Add 3-5 tablespoons of milk, starting with the smaller amount and adjusting as needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to mix for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is wonderfully smooth, fluffy, and completely lump-free.
- For colorful bars, divide the prepared frosting into smaller bowls – one for each desired color. Add a small amount of paste (gel) food coloring to each bowl. Remember that gel colors are highly concentrated, so start with a tiny drop and add more until your desired vibrant hue is achieved. Mix each bowl thoroughly until the color is uniform.
- Once the cookie base is completely cool, use an offset icing spatula or a knife to generously spread each different color of frosting onto distinct sections of the bars, creating a visually appealing, multi-colored top. Feel free to swirl the colors slightly for a marbled effect or keep them separate for defined blocks of color. Don’t forget to add sprinkles immediately after frosting each section if you plan to use them!
- Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes. Then, using a sharp knife or a dough cutter (cleaning it between cuts for clean edges), carefully slice the frosted sugar cookie bars into uniform squares or rectangles. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter and get ready to enjoy these delightful, soft, and beautifully frosted treats!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Absolutely! While our homemade cream cheese frosting undeniably offers the freshest flavor and unparalleled creamy texture, store-bought frosting is a perfectly acceptable shortcut when you’re short on time. Just be aware that the homemade version significantly elevates these bars to that classic Lofthouse-style perfection. If using store-bought, you can still divide it and color it with gel food coloring for that vibrant visual appeal.
To maintain their delightful softness and prevent the frosting from drying out, store your frosted sugar cookie bars in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates or if your frosting contains cream cheese (which it does!), you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enjoy their optimal soft texture.
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, first allow the frosting to set completely. Then, cut the bars into individual portions. You can either flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container layered with parchment paper, or wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Dry bars are often a result of too much flour or overbaking. Ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level method) and avoid packing it into the measuring cup. Also, keep a close eye on your oven; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. The bars should be lightly golden at the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, but not overly dry.
For the silkiest frosting, ensure both your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature before beating. Sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture can also prevent lumps. Beat on medium-high speed for a few minutes until light and fluffy, and scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Cookie Bars
These frosted sugar cookie bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. For a timeless and utterly comforting experience, serve them alongside a frosty cold glass of milk – a classic pairing that never disappoints. On a cooler day or when you’re craving a cozy indulgence, they pair beautifully with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee, a soothing herbal tea, or a rich, creamy hot chocolate. Their vibrant colors make them a perfect centerpiece for dessert platters at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. You can also individually wrap them for a delightful homemade gift or a sweet addition to lunchboxes. No matter how you choose to present them, these incredibly soft, perfectly frosted, and undeniably delicious bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable hit with everyone who takes a bite. I truly hope you savor every moment of baking and enjoying these bright and delicious frosted sugar cookie bars!
Explore More Delicious Bar & Cookie Recipes
If you loved these soft and chewy sugar cookie bars, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of easy-to-make bar and cookie recipes offers even more delightful options for every craving and occasion. From rich chocolate to nutty peanut butter, these recipes are designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your dessert plate. Don’t stop at just one – explore these other fantastic creations that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars
- Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Brookies (Brownie-Cookie Hybrids)
- Fudge Frosted Espresso Brownies
- Millionaire’s Bars (Caramel Shortbread)
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-5 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- food coloring or icing paste
Things You’ll Need
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Jellyroll pan
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Stand mixer
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Offset icing spatula
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
To achieve the stunning visual appeal seen in our photos, I used five distinct colors of gel paste food coloring. This highly concentrated coloring method allows for vibrant hues without affecting the frosting’s consistency. Feel absolutely free to experiment with any color palette that inspires you, whether it’s bright pastels for spring, festive reds and greens for holidays, or even a single elegant white frosting for a sophisticated look. The creative possibilities are endless!
For the most appealing presentation, I recommend frosting the entire pan of cooled cookie bars first, applying different colored sections as desired, and then immediately adding your chosen sprinkles or decorative toppings while the frosting is still wet. Once the frosting has set slightly, use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to cut neat squares or rectangles. This method helps prevent crumbling and keeps your decorative elements perfectly in place.
Our recipe yields approximately 20 generously sized bars, and the provided nutrition calculation is based on this larger serving size. If you’re looking to manage portion control or prefer smaller, bite-sized treats for a party, you can easily cut the baked sheet into more pieces. Cutting them into 30-40 smaller squares will naturally reduce the calories and other nutritional values per serving, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying in moderation. Always remember to adjust your serving sizes to fit your personal dietary preferences.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and the large egg. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed for approximately 4 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and notably frothy. This aeration is key to the cookie bars’ tender texture. Then, reduce the speed to low and incorporate the vanilla extract and almond extract, beating for just an additional minute to ensure they are fully blended.1 cup unsalted butter, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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In a separate, small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent rise.2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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Gradually add the prepared flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes, or until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookie bars.
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Evenly press the cookie dough into a large, lightly greased and floured jelly roll (cookie sheet) pan, spreading it all the way to the edges. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting stage; this prevents the frosting from melting.
To Make the Frosting
-
To prepare the frosting, in a medium-sized bowl or the clean bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese. Beat these together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, light, and free of any lumps.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 oz cream cheese
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, starting on low speed to prevent a mess, then increasing to medium-high. Add 3-5 tablespoons of milk, starting with the smaller amount and adjusting as needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to mix for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is wonderfully smooth, fluffy, and completely lump-free.3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3-5 Tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For colorful bars, divide the prepared frosting into smaller bowls – one for each desired color. Add a small amount of paste (gel) food coloring to each bowl. Remember that gel colors are highly concentrated, so start with a tiny drop and add more until your desired vibrant hue is achieved. Mix each bowl thoroughly until the color is uniform.food coloring or icing paste
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Once the cookie base is completely cool, use an offset icing spatula or a knife to generously spread each different color of frosting onto distinct sections of the bars, creating a visually appealing, multi-colored top. Feel free to swirl the colors slightly for a marbled effect or keep them separate for defined blocks of color. Don’t forget to add sprinkles immediately after frosting each section if you plan to use them!
-
Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes. Then, using a sharp knife or a dough cutter (cleaning it between cuts for clean edges), carefully slice the frosted sugar cookie bars into uniform squares or rectangles. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter and get ready to enjoy these delightful, soft, and beautifully frosted treats!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on March 19, 2020.