Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Sprinkles

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream & Sprinkles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Buttercream Frosting:; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Assorted sprinkles for decoration

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Looking for a delightful dessert that brings smiles without all the fuss?

These Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream & Sprinkles are your answer! Forget the endless rolling and cutting of traditional sugar cookies; these bars deliver all the buttery, sweet flavor in an easy-to-make sheet pan format.

Perfect for busy moms and professionals, they’re a fantastic choice for holiday treats, party food, or simply a joyful sweet treat any day of the week. Get ready for a taste of pure happiness!

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars

Effortless Elegance: Enjoy classic sugar cookie flavor without the time-consuming rolling and cutting.
Crowd-Pleasing: These festive bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or family gatherings, delighting everyone.
Customizable Fun: Easily change sprinkle colors for any holiday or occasion.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Delicious Texture: Soft, chewy cookie base topped with fluffy, sweet buttercream.

Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Sprinkles Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

Primary components: You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for the perfect sugar cookie bar base.
Flavor & Texture: Vanilla extract is key for both the cookies and the buttercream. For the frosting, you’ll also need powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream for extra richness), and a pinch of salt.
Festive Finish: Assorted sprinkles are essential for that joyful, celebratory look. Feel free to use different sprinkle types or colors to match any occasion.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along to their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Exact quantities appear in the printable recipe card below.

Making these delightful Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream & Sprinkles is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your sugar cookie bars don’t stick.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to a tender cookie bar.

Cream Butter and Sugar for the Cookie Base

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined; avoid over-mixing for a soft texture.

Press the dough evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

9x13 inch baking pan — 9×13 inch baking pan

Step 5: Prepare the Fluffy Buttercream Frosting

While the bars cool, make the buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps for a smooth frosting.

Once the sugar cookie bars are completely cool, spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the top. Ensure the bars are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.

Generously sprinkle with your favorite assorted sprinkles. This adds both visual appeal and a delightful crunch to your festive treat.

Step 7: Cut and Serve Your Festive Bars

With the frosting and sprinkles set, cut the sugar cookie bars into squares. Serve these joyful treats to family and friends for any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream & Sprinkles

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-combined batter and creamy frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the cookie dough until just combined to keep the bars tender and soft, not tough.
Slightly Underbake: For chewier sugar cookie bars, pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely golden.
Cool Completely: Always allow the cookie bars to cool entirely before frosting to prevent a melty mess.
Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting ensures a lump-free, impeccably smooth buttercream frosting.
Customize Frosting: Experiment with almond or lemon extract in your buttercream for a different flavor profile.
Colorful Sprinkles: Match your sprinkles to the occasion – pastels for spring, red and green for holidays, or school colors for a graduation party.

Pair these sweet Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream & Sprinkles with a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to add a touch of brightness and natural sweetness, cutting through the richness of the buttercream.
For a more elaborate dessert spread, consider serving small scoops of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The cool, creamy additions complement the chewy cookie and sweet frosting beautifully.

cup of coffee and a fresh fruit salad in a bowl

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, or to extend freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted sugar cookie bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

For frosted bars, freeze solid on a baking sheet, then wrap each bar individually or stack with parchment paper in an airtight container.

Reheating

Thaw frozen unfrosted bars at room temperature before frosting. You can gently warm them in the oven (250°F for 5-10 minutes) if you prefer a warm cookie.

Frozen frosted bars are best thawed in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Avoid reheating frosted bars directly, as the frosting may melt.

These Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream are truly a celebration in every bite! They offer all the beloved flavor of classic sugar cookies with an irresistible soft texture and a dreamy buttercream topping, all without the fuss.

Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, they’re sure to bring joy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor extracts in the frosting for a fun twist! Check our wonderful Gingerbread Cookie bars they are trending right now

How do I know when my sugar cookie bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.

Can I use store-bought frosting for these sugar cookie bars?

Yes, you can use store-bought buttercream frosting for convenience. However, homemade buttercream elevates the flavor significantly and is quite easy to make.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Any kind of decorative sprinkles work! Jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar are all great options. Choose colors to match your event or holiday theme for extra festivity.

Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Sprinkles

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven