Looking for a dessert that’s sweet, easy to make, and perfect for any spring gathering? These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars will have your guests asking for the recipe! With a buttery, soft sugar cookie base topped with all-natural strawberry frosting, these bars combine the best of two worlds: the delicate sweetness of sugar cookies and the fresh flavor of strawberries. Whether you’re preparing for a bridal shower, a family get-together, or just a casual spring treat, these bars are sure to impress!
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Why These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Make
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of rich, soft texture and fresh, fruity flavor. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling and cutting, this recipe simplifies the process by spreading the dough in a baking pan and cutting the bars after baking. With the added bonus of strawberry frosting, these bars are not just easy to make—they’re also beautiful and delicious. Plus, the natural strawberry flavor from freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting sets these bars apart from typical sugar cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Delicious Bars
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- Butter (unsalted, room temperature): Adds richness and softness to the cookie bars.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bars, balancing the flavors.
- Egg & Egg Yolk: Help bind the dough and create a chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the strawberry flavor.
- Flour: Forms the structure of the bars, creating a soft and crumbly texture.
- Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Leavening agents and seasoning to help the dough rise and balance flavor.
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- Butter (unsalted, room temperature): Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Elevates the sweetness of the frosting.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a fresh tang to balance the sweetness.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Gives the frosting a vibrant, all-natural strawberry flavor without artificial coloring.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or need to accommodate dietary preferences, don’t worry! Here are a few swaps:
- For the almond extract: Use coconut extract for a tropical twist.
- For the freeze-dried strawberries: If you can’t find them, fresh or frozen strawberries can work, but you may need to adjust the frosting consistency by adding more powdered sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Make the Sugar Cookie Dough: Beat together the unsalted butter and sugar in a stand mixer for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the Dough: Dump the dough into the prepared pan and press it flat to evenly distribute it.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Cool the Bars: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Strawberry Frosting: While the bars are cooling, beat the unsalted butter and vanilla extract together. Add the optional lemon juice and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you reach a spreadable, sweet frosting consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the surface. Top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles for extra flair.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking. You want them to be slightly golden on the edges, but not overdone.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or more lemon juice to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
- Chill Before Cutting: After frosting, allow the bars to chill in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting. This will help them slice more cleanly.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides or drinks. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, iced tea, or a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded treat. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of white chocolate or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
If you need to make these bars ahead of time, they store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to a month. Simply wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
The Perfect Spring Dessert
Whether you’re planning a spring picnic, baby shower, or just want a fresh treat to enjoy at home, these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. With their simple prep, delicious flavor, and gorgeous presentation, they’re bound to become a family favorite.
Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet sugar cookies and fresh strawberry frosting with every bite!
Conclusion
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect spring dessert, blending the comforting taste of sugar cookies with a refreshing burst of strawberry frosting. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing with friends, or enjoying them at a family gathering, these bars are sure to steal the show. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a beautiful presentation, they’re an easy yet impressive treat that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—these strawberry delights are waiting to be enjoyed!
FAQs About Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I make these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars a day or two ahead of your event. Simply store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you plan on making them even further in advance, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just thaw and frost before serving!
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting?
While freeze-dried strawberries are ideal for creating vibrant strawberry frosting without any artificial dyes, you can use fresh strawberries in a pinch. However, you’ll need to puree them and strain out excess liquid to avoid thinning the frosting. You may need to adjust the powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover frosting, you can store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before using again, let the frosting come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its smooth texture.
Can I make these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
More Relevant Recipes
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies: These soft, spiced sugar cookies are perfect for fall and offer a comforting, seasonal twist. The flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon blend beautifully in these simple yet delicious cookies, similar to the sweetness and texture of strawberry sugar cookie bars.
- Peach Cobbler Cookies: If you love fruity cookie bars, you’ll enjoy these peach cobbler cookies. They feature a combination of soft cookie dough with sweet peach filling, creating a juicy and tender treat, making them a great variation to the strawberry sugar cookie bars.
- Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: These French toast-inspired muffins offer a sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavor profile that pairs well with the flavors of sugar cookie bars. Their soft, cake-like texture and warm spices make them a perfect breakfast treat or snack, much like the comforting appeal of strawberry sugar cookie bars.
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful spring treat that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberry frosting. Easy to make and perfect for any gathering, they offer a soft and buttery texture with a natural strawberry frosting that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the frosting: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 1/2 oz package freeze-dried strawberries (finely crushed)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, greasing the sides lightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it flat. Bake for 16-20 minutes until the edges are slightly golden, and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice (optional), and crushed freeze-dried strawberries together. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once the bars are cooled, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper. Frost the bars and top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- If the frosting gets too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or more lemon juice to adjust the consistency.
- If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can substitute fresh strawberries, but you will need to puree them and strain out excess liquid to avoid thinning the frosting.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg