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    Home » Brownies & Bars

    The Best Frosted Sugar Cookie Cake Bars

    Published: Apr 4, 2022 by Taleen Benson · This post may contain affiliate links · Any nutrition info provided is estimated and will vary based on the brands used or with any substitutions · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These frosted sugar cookie cake bars are so dreamy! They taste just like classic frosted sugar cookies, but in chewy bar form.

    Pink frosted sugar cookie cake bars on parchment paper.

    Boy do I have an exciting recipe for you all today. These frosted sugar cookie cake bars are just so, so good. We take cookies (and cake) very seriously around here, so when I was developing this recipe, I had a whole checklist in my mind of what I wanted.

    Extra soft yet chewy? Check. Deliciously sweet vanilla flavor? Check. A thick layer of buttercream frosting? Check. A super pretty and festive presentation? Check.

    So I'm not sure what else I need to say about these gluten free cookie bars to convince you. I personally think they kind of taste like a crossover of Lofthouse cookies and vanilla cake.

    The cookie base was inspired by my s'mores bars. Those bars are made with more of a honey-flavored cookie base, similar to graham crackers, but I love the texture of those bars so I knew this recipe had to be an adaptation of that one.

    And of course, the buttercream frosting really pulls it all together. You could skip it, or go for a thinner layer, but where's the fun in that? 😉

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Sugar Cookie Cake Bars
    • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How To Store
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related Recipes You Might Like
    Stack of three pink frosted sugar cookie cake bars.

    Why You'll Love These Sugar Cookie Cake Bars

    • Just looking at them will put a smile on your face, surely? These would be perfect for a birthday party, and the best part is you can use any color for your frosting AND you can get creative with the sprinkles, too. They're easy to customize for any theme or holiday.
    • If you love soft and thick sugar cookies, then you are going to be a huge fan of the texture.
    • That buttercream frosting! It makes me think of birthday cake. What's not to love about that?

    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

    • Gluten free flour blend: My favorite gluten free flour is Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1, hands down. You can use any blend as long as it contains xanthan gum. If you're not looking to make these bars gluten free, swap in all-purpose flour.
    • Brown sugar: I really love using light brown sugar in this recipe, but you can go ahead and use dark brown sugar if that's what you have.
    • Egg replacer: To make these cookie bars without eggs, we're using Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. If you're not looking to make these bars eggless, you can use 1 egg instead.
    • Powdered sugar: You can use any kind or brand of powdered sugar you like. Personally, I like baking with organic powdered sugar. No need to sift the sugar unless it's extra lumpy.
    • Gel food coloring: I highly recommend using gel food coloring over liquid, as it's much more concentrated and a little bit goes a long way. This is my favorite set that I use all the time.
    Close-up of pink frosted sugar cookie cake bars.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    STEP ONE: Start by creaming the butter with both types of sugar. I love the flavor and texture that we get from incorporating light brown sugar.

    STEP TWO: Add in the egg replacer and vanilla.

    STEP THREE: Add your dry ingredients right in and mix on low speed.

    Dry ingredients in a bowl.
    Sugar cookie bar dough in a bowl.
    Sugar cookie bar dough in a bowl.

    STEP FOUR: Spread the dough evenly in a parchment-lined square baking pan. You may find it easier to just press it in with your hands. Bake on 350ºF for around 18 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

    STEP FIVE: Make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then add in the powdered sugar, then the milk. You will want to add the milk in gradually, one tablespoon at a time, so you can properly judge how much you need.

    Sugar cookie bar dough in a bowl.
    Buttercream frosting in a bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • My #1 tip when it comes to baking (and especially gluten free baking) is to weigh your flour using a scale. This is the best way to ensure accuracy. We'll need 222 grams of flour for this recipe.
    • For the frosting, you'll know when you have the consistency you want, but if you need to thin the frosting out more, add more milk. If you accidentally go too far, add another spoonful or two of powdered sugar.
    • To achieve a pastel color, use a toothpick to grab just the tiniest amount of gel food coloring. And of course, you can use more or less food coloring than I did (or don't add any at all!).
    • Make sure the sugar cookie bars have cooled completely before frosting.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I tell when the sugar cookie bars are done?

    You'll know the bars are done when the edges are set and slightly golden.

    Can I make these sugar cookie cake bars dairy free?

    Yes. To make these cookie bars dairy free, use your favorite non-dairy butter and milk.

    Can I color the buttercream frosting naturally?

    I haven't tested it myself, but you should be able to naturally color the frosting. Here are some tips and ideas.

    Pink frosted sugar cookie bar with a bite taken out of it.

    How To Store

    You can store these sugar cookie cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. After that, be sure to move them into the refrigerator. They should keep for 5 days total.

    CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY NEW COOKBOOK!

    Did you try my frosted sugar cookie cake bars? Leave me a comment below or tag me on Instagram @justastastyblog and #justastastyblog! And don't forget to subscribe to get new recipes directly in your inbox.

    📖 Recipe

    The Best Frosted Sugar Cookie Cake Bars

    Print Recipe
    Super soft cookie bars topped with a classic buttercream frosting!
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword buttercream, cookies, eggless, gluten free
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    Total Time 38 minutes mins
    Servings 9 bars
    Calories 425
    Author Taleen Benson

    Ingredients

    For the cookie bars:

    • 1 ½ cups (222g) gluten free flour blend
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter room temperature
    • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar packed
    • 1 tablespoon Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer mixed with 2 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the buttercream frosting:

    • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
    • 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
    • food coloring optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
    • In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
      1 ½ cups (222g) gluten free flour blend, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with both sugars until combined. Add the egg replacer and vanilla extract and continue to beat.
      ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned. Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan.

    To make the buttercream frosting:

    • Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and continue to mix until combined.
      ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
    • Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, and beat to achieve the desired consistency. Add gel food coloring, if using, and mix well. Spread frosting on cooled cookie base before slicing into bars.
      1-2 tablespoons whole milk, food coloring

    Notes

    • If you are not looking to make these bars gluten free, use all-purpose flour instead.
    • Be sure to follow the instructions on the package of Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer. Once mixed with water, the egg replacer must sit for just a few minutes to thicken.
    • If you are not looking to replace eggs, you should be able to use 1 egg instead of the egg replacer.
    • If you accidentally thin your frosting out too much with the milk, add more powdered sugar in, one tablespoon at a time. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 425kcal

    Related Recipes You Might Like

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    • Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars
    • Gooey Rolo Brownies From Scratch

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vicki says

      December 02, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, these bars are delicious!

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        December 02, 2021 at 3:11 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Dawn says

      August 20, 2023 at 5:49 am

      Can I use regular eggs instead of egg replacement? If so, how many?

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        August 20, 2023 at 1:44 pm

        Yes, you should be able to use 1 egg. Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    3. Josie says

      January 19, 2024 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good! I’m so happy to find something that actually tastes like it’s not gluten free. Some things I changed…
      -added 1tsp of cornstarch.
      -used 1 1/2 tsp vanilla and added 1/2 tsp almond extract.
      -made cream cheese frosting to go on top.

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        January 19, 2024 at 7:33 pm

        So glad to hear that, Josie! Thank you for the comment.

        Reply
    4. Karen says

      January 26, 2025 at 12:51 pm

      1 star
      This became a complete soupy mess. Did not bake.. even gave it extra time in the oven. Not sure what went wrong.. I measured all ingredients and used same flour brand. Only thing different was I used a large egg instead of the replacer.

      😕

      Reply
      • Taleen Benson says

        February 01, 2025 at 2:00 pm

        Hmm I've made this countless times and have not had this experience, so I'm not sure what went wrong other than maybe your oven could be off? Did you weigh the ingredients? Sorry this didn't work out for you.

        Reply
    4.37 from 11 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Hi there! I'm Taleen... a Los Angeles based advertising professional by day, baker by night. Bringing you gluten-free recipes and general tips + tricks for navigating allergies.

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