There is something truly magical about classic sugar cookies, but when you transform them into a bar, spread them with luscious cream cheese frosting, and sprinkle on colorful candy decorations, you create a treat that feels like a celebration in every bite. This Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe is my go-to when I want a dessert that’s easy to make yet feels special and indulgent. The buttery, tender cookie base paired with tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting is a perfect harmony, and the candies on top add just the right pop of fun and color to brighten any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful sugar cookie bars, you’ll want to start with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play an essential role in developing the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of the final treat.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, plus 4 tablespoons): The rich backbone of both the cookie base and frosting, adding creaminess and that irresistible buttery taste.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cookie bars.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the dough while adding moisture for a soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons for cookie, 3/4 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Gives structure to the bars, ensuring they hold together well yet remain soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): The gentle lift that keeps the bars from feeling dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Whipped cream cheese (3 ounces): Makes the frosting dreamy and tangy, with a smooth texture that spreads beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Candy hearts or sprinkles: Adds a pop of color and whimsy, perfect for holidays, parties, or just because!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper placed one way to make removal easier later on. Softened butter is key here—whip it in a stand mixer on medium-high to fluff it up, which allows for light, tender bars. Gradually add your granulated sugar while beating, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract for that signature sweet aroma.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over your wet mixture without stirring just yet. Lower your mixer to a gentle speed and combine everything until just incorporated. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars
Transfer the sticky dough into your prepared pan and use your fingers to press it evenly into the corners for a uniform thickness. Bake for about 20 minutes—watch for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. This ensures your bars stay soft and chewy rather than dry.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookie base cools, beat together the softened butter and whipped cream cheese for a full minute until fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla extract for flavor, then gradually mix in powdered sugar by the half-cup to avoid lumps. If the frosting feels too thick, a splash of milk will loosen it up perfectly for spreading.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookie bars are completely cool to touch, generously spread the cream cheese frosting all over the top. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle on your candy hearts, sprinkles, or any festive candies you love to add vibrant color and a hint of crunch.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that wows, try sprinkling additional finely chopped nuts, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate over your frosted bars. These little extras add visual appeal and enhance texture, making each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookie bars pair beautifully with a simple cup of milk or a warm drink like chai or hot cocoa. Their creamy sweetness is balanced perfectly by the comforting warmth of your favorite beverage, creating an inviting snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your bars into uniform squares and arrange them on a decorative platter or tiered cake stand. You can also gift-wrap individual bars for thoughtful homemade presents. Layered in a colorful box with parchment or tied with a ribbon, these bars are almost too pretty to eat—but trust me, they won’t last long!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep your sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve the cream cheese frosting and keep the bars fresh for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freeze them unfrosted in a sealed container or wrapped tightly. After thawing, spread the cream cheese frosting fresh or store frosted bars in the freezer for short-term, but expect slight texture changes in the frosting.
Reheating
Because these bars are best enjoyed cool with creamy frosting, I recommend serving them at room temperature rather than reheating. If you do prefer warm bars, remove the frosting first, warm the bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, then reapply chilled frosting.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese in the frosting?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, but whipping it beforehand helps achieve the airy texture. If you use regular cream cheese, make sure it’s softened and beat it until light for the best results in your frosting.
What can I do if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, a similarly sized baking dish will work. Just keep in mind that the thickness of the bars may vary, so adjust baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness using a toothpick test.
Can I add other types of decorations besides candy hearts and sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with chocolate chips, crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, or even edible flowers. These Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe is very adaptable to seasonal or personal tastes.
Is it okay to make the cookie base ahead and frost later?
Definitely! Baking the cookie layer a day or two in advance and keeping it wrapped tightly helps save time. Just frost them right before serving to keep the frosting fresh and creamy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is straightforward. Use a larger pan such as a 9×13-inch and monitor the baking time closely, as thicker or thinner bars will affect how long they need to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe has earned its special spot in my dessert lineup because it’s so simple, sweet, and stunning. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just an everyday treat, these bars deliver the perfect balance of classic flavors with a colorful, whimsical twist. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’re going to love how irresistible they are!
PrintSugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe
These Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the delightful softness of classic sugar cookies baked in a convenient bar form with a rich, creamy whipped cream cheese frosting. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and adorned with festive candy hearts or sprinkles, these bars are perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, tender treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess parchment hangs over two sides for easy removal later.
- Make the cookie dough: In a mini stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened butter and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds to fluff it. Gradually pour in the granulated sugar while mixing to incorporate. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Turn off the mixer and evenly sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt on top of the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer to low and mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, forming the dough.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers to press and flatten the dough evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs remaining. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare frosting: In a clean mini stand mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter and whipped cream cheese for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar in half-cup increments, mixing thoroughly after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, add a small splash of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and decorate: Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with candy hearts or sprinkles as desired. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into serving-sized squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. European-style butter works excellently due to its higher fat content, but standard unsalted butter is perfectly fine. One stick is used for the cookie base and an additional half-stick for the frosting.
- Salt: The measured 1/4 teaspoon salt is essential to balance the sweetness in the cookie dough and enhance overall flavor.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: Using whipped cream cheese in the frosting creates a smooth and creamy texture that is slightly lighter than regular cream cheese, making the frosting delectable without being too dense.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as overmixing can toughen the cookies.
- Baking: Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
