Nothing compares to the joy of biting into Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting—a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of tender, rich cookie texture and a sweet, creamy topping. These bars capture the essence of classic sugar cookies but make them easier to enjoy bar-style, topped with a charming pink frosting that adds a splash of color and extra sweetness. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this recipe delivers dessert perfection that’s sure to brighten your day and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless baking: These bars come together quickly, making them perfect for busy bakers who crave homemade treats.
Soft & chewy texture: The bars maintain that tender, moist bite that sugar cookie lovers adore.
Vibrant pink frosting: Adds a festive touch and delightful sweetness without overpowering the cookie flavor.
Flexible and adaptable: You can easily customize flavors and decorations to suit any occasion or personal preference.
Perfect for sharing: Cut into bars that are easy to serve, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect base or topping, from texture and flavor to color and consistency. Using simple, accessible components, this recipe keeps things straightforward but never sacrifices deliciousness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cookie bars’ structure for that soft but sturdy texture.
Baking powder: Gives just enough rise to ensure the bars stay tender and not dense.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the chewiness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to keep the bars soft.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall cookie flavor with its warm vanilla notes.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, sweet topping.
Milk (for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
Red food coloring: Just a drop or two transforms plain white frosting into fun, sweet pink frosting.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavors in the dough.

Variations for Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting

One of the coolest things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary needs, change up colors or flavors, or instantly upgrade the look, there’s a way to make it your own.

Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Alternative frostings: Use cream cheese frosting or a vanilla glaze instead to mix things up.
Sprinkles and decorations: Top the pink frosting with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crush nuts for extra texture and festivity.
Natural coloring: Replace food coloring with beet juice or strawberry puree for a vibrant pink with added nutrients.

Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Topped with Sweet Pink Frosting

How to Make Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this step is key to achieving that soft and chewy texture. Then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, blending everything until nicely combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Press the cookie dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes or until the edges look slightly golden but the center remains soft.

Step 4: Make the Pink Frosting

While the bars cool completely, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk gradually until smooth and spreadable. Add a few drops of red food coloring, stirring to get that perfect sweet pink hue.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. For an extra special touch, decorate with sprinkles or edible decorations before slicing into bars and enjoying.

Pro Tips for Making Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth blending and better texture.
Don’t overbake: Removing the bars when the edges are just golden keeps the center soft and chewy.
Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Even spreading: Use an offset spatula for smooth, professional-looking frosting application.
Customize frosting thickness: Add milk little by little to control whether you want thicker or thinner frosting consistency.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting

Garnishes

Consider topping with rainbow sprinkles for a festive look, edible pearls for elegance, or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a natural burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the sweetness and add a creamy dimension.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cut bars on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at parties or package individual bars in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for cute gift ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container; they freeze well for up to two months without losing texture or taste.

Reheating

Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh that soft & chewy feel.

FAQs

Can I use vegan substitutes for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs or commercial egg replacers to make vegan-friendly sugar cookie bars with pink frosting.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a tiny bit of cream cheese to the frosting for a tangy balance that cuts straight sweetness.

What is the best pan size for baking these bars?

A 9×13-inch baking pan works perfectly, providing the right thickness for soft and chewy bars with even baking throughout.

Can I use different food coloring colors?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with any color to match your event’s theme or mood—blue, green, or pastel shades work beautifully.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but by swapping it for a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy these bars without gluten.

Final Thoughts

Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting are a breeze to make and endlessly enjoyable, bringing that homemade cookie charm into a bar form that’s perfect for every occasion. With their delightful texture, sweet frosting, and endless possibilities for customization, these bars are sure to become your go-to dessert favorite. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress everyone with your baking skills and irresistible treats.

Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting

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Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Frosting are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining the tender, moist texture of classic sugar cookies baked in bar form and topped with a sweet, vibrant pink frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which is essential for achieving the soft and chewy texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Bake the Bars: Press the cookie dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the center still feels soft.
Make the Pink Frosting: While the bars cool completely, prepare the frosting by gradually mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth and spreadable. Add a few drops of red food coloring and stir until the frosting reaches a sweet, vibrant pink hue.
Frost and Serve: Spread the pink frosting evenly over the cooled bars using an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles or edible decorations before slicing into bars and enjoying.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and improved texture.
Do not overbake; remove when edges are just golden to keep centers soft and chewy.
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Customize frosting thickness by adding milk gradually.
Use an offset spatula for professional-looking frosting application.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Topped with Sweet Pink Frosting