If you’re on the lookout for a truly delightful treat that combines the nostalgic charm of classic sweets with a luscious, creamy finish, then this Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a tangy and smooth cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these bars deliver wonderful flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating perfect sugar cookie bars with cream cheese frosting starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the ideal balance of sweetness, moisture, and that gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love.
- Butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your dough is smooth and rich, giving the bars a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the classic sweetness and helps create that signature sugar cookie crisp on the edges.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle depth of molasses flavor and contributes to moisture.
- Eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds richness, making the bars beautifully soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for bringing out the warm, cozy notes in both the cookie and frosting.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, it gives structure without making the bars too dense.
- Baking Powder: Gives a gentle rise, ensuring the bars are light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering tang and creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar: Keeps the frosting silky smooth and perfectly sweet.
- Lemon Juice or Zest (optional): Adds a subtle brightness to the frosting if you want a little zing.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together your softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. This step is key because it incorporates air into the mix, ensuring your bars come out soft yet with a slight crunch around the edges. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender bars, not tough cookies. Once mixed, press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
Step 2: Bake the Sugar Cookie Base
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and pop the cookie dough in for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a lightly golden surface and set edges but still soft in the center. This careful baking creates a perfect base that holds the luscious frosting without becoming heavy or crumbly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookie bars cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter together until velvety smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps. If you want a little extra brightness, a splash of lemon juice or a bit of zest works wonders here. The frosting should be thick enough to spread generously without running off the bars.
Step 4: Frost the Bars
Once the cookie base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife. For a fun touch, you can pipe the frosting in decorative swirls or simply spread it straight on for a classic look. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes if you prefer a firmer frosting that holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a bit of flair to your sugar cookie bars by sprinkling them with colorful nonpareils, a dusting of cinnamon, or even finely chopped nuts for texture contrast. Fresh berries on top can also add a vibrant pop of color and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic paired with a warm drink like chai tea, coffee, or even a frothy latte. For a more indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Cut the bars into small squares and serve on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar. Alternatively, stack them tiered with edible flowers for a dreamy, festive presentation. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes them adorable party favors or sweet gifting ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sugar cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
Want to make these treats ahead of time? Freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as usual. This makes it easy to have fresh sugar cookie bars on demand.
Reheating
If you prefer your sugar cookie bars warm, simply microwave a single bar for 10 to 15 seconds. The frosting will soften beautifully, and the cookie will feel freshly baked. Just be mindful not to overheat as the cream cheese can separate if too hot.
FAQs
Can I use light cream cheese for the frosting?
Yes, you can use light or reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind the frosting may be a bit less creamy and rich. For the best texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?
About 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is ideal. This thickness balances the sweetness and tanginess of the frosting with the buttery cookie base, creating that perfect bite.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t strictly required for this recipe since the dough is soft, but if your kitchen is warm, a quick 15-20 minute chill can help the dough firm up, making it easier to press evenly into the pan and preventing spreading during baking.
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even colorful sprinkles can be folded into the dough before baking, offering exciting texture and flavor variations.
How long do these bars stay fresh once frosted?
When frosted and stored properly in the refrigerator, these bars will remain fresh for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a well-made Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—it’s a nostalgic hug in dessert form. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to bring smiles around your kitchen table. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the love with your favorite people. I promise these bars will become a fast favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintSugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Homemade Fig Newtons are a delightful twist on the classic fig-filled cookie, combining a rich, buttery cookie dough with a smooth and flavorful fig filling made from dried figs, citrus, and a hint of warm spices. These nostalgic treats are perfect for enjoying with tea or as a sweet snack, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and tender texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fig Filling
- 14 oz dry figs, sliced, stem removed (about 400 grams) or 2–3 cups thick fig jam (without pectin)
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier, Orange Liqueur, Dark Rum, or water/orange juice (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (25 grams)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon or small orange
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (53 grams)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cardamom or cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fig Filling: In a pot, combine sliced dry figs, orange liqueur or rum or orange juice, water, brown sugar, citrus juice, and zest. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the figs are very soft and most liquid is absorbed. Add extra water by 2 tablespoons if needed to soften figs. Once cooked, process figs in a food processor until smooth. Cool completely and fill a piping bag. Filling can be made up to a week ahead and refrigerated.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cardamom or cinnamon, then set aside. Beat the room temperature butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth, about 5 minutes. Add egg yolks, then vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until dough comes together. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Divide dough into 6 portions. On a plastic wrap-lined surface, take one portion and form into a log. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and roll out into a rectangle about 4 inches wide and 10 inches long. Trim edges for uniform shape. Pipe fig filling down the center of the dough rectangle. Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling and press gently to flatten. Fold the other side over, sealing the filling inside. Unwrap and gently roll the log so the seam is on the bottom. Cut the log into 1.5 to 2 inch pieces. Optionally, bake entire logs for 15-17 minutes before slicing.
- Bake the Fig Newtons: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the cut cookies onto parchment paper or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-13 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freeze. Note that cookies soften over time.
Notes
- Filling can be prepared up to a week in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
- If figs seem too dry while cooking, add water gradually to ensure they soften properly.
- Optional spices such as cardamom or cinnamon enhance the filling’s flavor for a warm, aromatic touch.
- You can bake the fig newton logs whole before slicing, for a different texture and ease of handling.
- Cookies will soften further when stored; they are best enjoyed within a few days or frozen for longer storage.
