Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring with a dessert that's as easy to make as it is delightful to eat: Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars! Forget the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies; these bars deliver all the beloved taste of a classic sugar cookie with the added joy of a naturally flavored, creamy strawberry frosting. They're perfect for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or simply as a cheerful treat to brighten your day.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that celebrates the freshness of the season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are designed for success, promising a soft, chewy base topped with a sweet, fruity frosting that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try
These bars are more than just a dessert; they're a testament to effortless baking. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your spring repertoire:
- Simplicity: No cookie cutters or individual handling required. Just press the dough into a pan and bake!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of a buttery, soft sugar cookie and a naturally sweet strawberry frosting is truly heavenly.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their bright pink frosting and option for fresh strawberry garnishes make them visually appealing for any occasion.
- Versatility: Easy to transport and serve, they’re ideal for parties, bake sales, or a special weekend treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Springtime Treat
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful bars. We’ll break it down into the cookie base and the star of the show: the strawberry frosting.
For the Soft Sugar Cookie Base:
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure it's at room temperature for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Granulated Sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
- Egg & Egg Yolk: The extra yolk adds richness and chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract & Almond Extract: These provide a classic, aromatic depth of flavor. If you're a fan of unique baked goods, you might also enjoy our recipe for Sourdough Croissant Bread Recipe: Simple and Delicious.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie bar structure.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our leavening agents for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
For the Vibrant Strawberry Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: Again, room temperature is key for a fluffy frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Complements the strawberry beautifully.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): A small dash can brighten the frosting and cut through the sweetness.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: This is our secret weapon for intense, natural strawberry flavor and color without artificial additives. Grind them into a fine powder! For more details on this ingredient, you can check out this resource on freeze-drying.
- Powdered Sugar: To achieve that smooth, sweet, and spreadable frosting consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly greasing the exposed pan for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Using your hands or an offset spatula, press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember not to overbake for a soft, chewy bar.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost them. This is crucial for preventing the frosting from melting.
Step 8: While the bars cool, prepare the strawberry frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with vanilla extract. Add the optional lemon juice and the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Add more powdered sugar or a tiny bit of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 9: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top. For a final flourish, you can garnish with fresh strawberry slices or colorful sprinkles.
Tips for Perfection
- Don't Overbake: For perfectly soft bars, take them out of the oven when the edges are just barely golden. They will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Cool Completely: Frosting warm bars will lead to a melted, messy frosting. Patience is key!
- Achieve the Right Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon or two more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Chill Before Cutting: For clean, neat slices, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before cutting.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic standalone treat, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try them with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Looking for other delightful treats? Our recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread – Easy & Delicious Recipe offers another comforting baked good that's perfect for any time of year.
Storage
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
The Perfect Spring Indulgence
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are truly the epitome of spring dessert: fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious. They bring together the comforting familiarity of a sugar cookie with the bright, fruity essence of strawberries, making every bite a celebration. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy yet impressive treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
FAQs
Can I make these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly for up to a month, then thaw and frost before serving.
What if I can't find freeze-dried strawberries for the frosting?
Freeze-dried strawberries give the frosting a vibrant, natural flavor. If unavailable, you could use a small amount of strawberry puree (ensure it's thick and reduce the liquid) or a few drops of natural strawberry extract, adjusting powdered sugar as needed for consistency. The color might not be as intense without the freeze-dried berries.
How do I ensure my sugar cookie bars are soft and chewy?
The key is not to overmix the dough once the flour is added and to avoid overbaking. Bake until the edges are just lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They will continue to set as they cool, so pulling them slightly underdone can help achieve that perfect soft texture.
Can I swap the almond extract for something else?
Yes, if you're not a fan of almond extract or don't have it, you can simply use extra vanilla extract. A touch of lemon zest could also add a bright note to the cookie base, complementing the strawberry frosting beautifully.
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy sugar cookie bars topped with a vibrant, all-natural strawberry frosting – an easy and delicious spring dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into a fine powder
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Using your hands or an offset spatula, press the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 8: While the bars cool, prepare the strawberry frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with vanilla extract. Add the optional lemon juice and the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Add more powdered sugar as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 9: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or colorful sprinkles if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for both the cookie dough and the frosting. This helps create a smooth, emulsified mixture. Crushing freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder helps integrate them smoothly into the frosting without any gritty texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
