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.

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars – Easy, Delicious Spring Treats

Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

Scale

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

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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