Looking for a delicious dessert that’s perfect for spring? These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that will quickly become your go-to recipe for any gathering. Topped with all-natural strawberry frosting, these bars combine the classic sugar cookie flavor with a refreshing twist of strawberry. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing for a baby shower, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Why Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require shaping dough into balls, these bars save time by pressing the dough directly into a pan. This simple technique ensures you get perfectly uniform slices with minimal effort. Plus, the strawberry frosting adds a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dessert. It’s a perfect dessert for a spring or summer gathering when you want something both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients for Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
To create the best Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for both the sugar cookie base and the strawberry frosting:
Sugar Cookie Base
• Butter (unsalted, room temperature): Provides richness and moisture to the cookie bars.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and helps create a tender texture.
• Egg & Egg Yolk (room temperature): Adds structure and a rich flavor to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the sugar cookie base.
• Almond Extract: Offers a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberry frosting.
• Flour: Forms the bulk of the dough and provides structure to the bars.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise and spread evenly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Strawberry Frosting
• Butter (unsalted, room temperature): Acts as the base of the frosting, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the frosting.
• Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Gives the frosting its vibrant strawberry flavor without any artificial coloring.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the right consistency for spreading.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to switch things up or need substitutions for dietary preferences, here are a few alternatives:
• Coconut Extract: If you don’t have almond extract, coconut extract offers a tropical twist that pairs nicely with the strawberries.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free option, swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Butter: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
• Fresh Strawberries: If freeze-dried strawberries are hard to find, fresh strawberries can be used, although the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to bake your perfect batch:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides of the pan to ensure easy removal later.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the Strawberry Frosting
- Beat the butter and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Add the optional lemon juice and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and spreadability. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a little milk or extra lemon juice for a smooth texture.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars, and if desired, top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles for added decoration.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough bars. Mix only until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Check for doneness: The cookie bars are done when the edges are slightly golden, but the center remains soft. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.
• Cooling is essential: Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
• Store leftovers properly: These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, you can enhance the experience with some complementary side dishes or toppings. Here are a few ideas:
• Serve with vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the soft, fruity flavors of the cookie bars.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of dark or white chocolate adds an elegant touch and balances the sweetness.
• Try a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious alternative.
If you’re looking to make ahead, these bars are a great option. Simply bake the cookie base in advance, store it in an airtight container, and frost it just before serving.
Why These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Are Perfect for Spring
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate spring dessert. The sweet, fruity frosting and the soft, chewy cookie bars are an ideal match for the season. Whether you’re celebrating a springtime gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these bars are the perfect treat to complement the fresh, light flavors of spring. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the sunshine!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy, delightful treat that blends the beloved flavor of sugar cookies with the refreshing essence of strawberry frosting. Whether you’re hosting a spring party or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a perfect way to bring a burst of flavor and color to any occasion. With minimal preparation time and a crowd-pleasing finish, these bars will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. So, get baking, and enjoy a sweet slice of spring with every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the cookie bars in advance. Bake the sugar cookie base a day or two ahead, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving to keep the bars fresh and prevent the frosting from melting.
2. Can I use fresh strawberries for the frosting?
While freeze-dried strawberries are preferred for the frosting due to their concentrated flavor and lack of moisture, you can use fresh strawberries as an alternative. However, you’ll need to cook the fresh strawberries to remove excess moisture and ensure your frosting doesn’t become too runny.
3. How do I store leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars?
To store leftovers, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Spring Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of a soft sugar cookie base topped with a vibrant, all-natural strawberry frosting. Perfect for spring gatherings or any time you need a sweet treat, these easy-to-make bars are sure to become a favorite.
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 all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 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). Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
- In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 16-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting: Beat the butter and vanilla extract together. Add the lemon juice (optional) and freeze-dried strawberries, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting to desired sweetness and spreadability. If too thick, add a little milk or more lemon juice.
- Once the bars have cooled, frost them and top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, fresh strawberries can be used, but the frosting may be slightly more runny.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
