Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars – Are you looking for a delightful? And easy dessert? This Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. Is perfect for you! With a buttery base. And a sweet, fruity frosting made from freeze-dried strawberries. These bars are a hit. At any gathering.
The first time I made these Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars. My husband and child. Couldn’t stop raving about them. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. And we were craving something sweet. But didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. These bars came together quickly. And the kitchen was filled. With the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. My child even helped crush the freeze-dried strawberries. Making it a fun family activity. When we finally bit into the soft, buttery bars. Topped with the tangy strawberry frosting. We were hooked!
What makes this Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars truly stand out?
These Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars stand out. Because of their unique combination of a soft, buttery base. With a vibrant, fruity frosting. Made from freeze-dried strawberries. They’re quick to make. Require simple ingredients. And are perfect for any occasion. Plus, the use of freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting. Gives it an intense strawberry flavor. That’s hard to beat.
What You Need To Make This Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?
Butter: Use unsalted butter. At room temperature. For a smooth. Creamy base. Softened butter blends better. And aids achieve. That melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar. Gives the perfect sweetness. And slight crispiness to the bars.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Room temperature eggs. Incorporate better into the batter. Counting richness. And a soft consistency.
Vanilla and Almond Extract: The combination of these extracts. Provides a delightful. And aromatic flavor. That’s warm and nutty.
Flour: All-purpose flour. Gives structure. To the bars. Make sure to measure it correctly. To avoid dense bars.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents. Help the bars rise. And become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Balancing the sweetness. And bringing out the buttery goodness.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give an intense strawberry flavor. Without adding moisture to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens. And thickens the frosting. Providing a smooth. And spreadable texture.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing tang. To the frosting. Balancing the sweetness. And enhancing the strawberry flavor.
Steps To Make Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper. Lightly greasing the sides.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 2: Using a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar. For 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mixing until just combined. Press the dough into the prepared pan.
Step 6: Bake for 16-20 minutes. Until the edges just start to turn golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Step 7: For the frosting, beat 3/4 cup of butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 tsp lemon juice (if using), crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and 1 cup of powdered sugar until combined. Gradually add more powdered sugar. Until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 8: Once the bars have cooled. Lift them from the pan using the parchment paper. Frost with the strawberry frosting. Top with fresh strawberries. Or sprinkles if desired. Enjoy!
Tip:
For the best texture and flavor. Don’t skip chilling the dough before baking. This helps solidify the fat in the dough. Preventing the bars from spreading too much in the oven. And ensuring they stay thick. And chewy. It also allows the flavors to meld together. Giving you a richer. More complex taste. If you’re in a hurry. Even a quick 30-minute chill in the fridge. Can make a noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries for the frosting?
Fresh strawberries will add too much moisture. And alter the texture of the frosting. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries. For the best result.
How do I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container. At room temperature for up to 3 days. Or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the bars a day ahead. And frost them just before serving. For the best freshness.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 c butter unsalted, room temperature
- 1 c sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 egg yolk room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 c flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Strawberry Frosting:
- 3/4 c butter unsalted, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice optional, for frosting
- 1.2 ounces package freeze-dried strawberries finely crushed (for frosting)
- 2-3 c powdered sugar for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Beat 1 c butter and 1 c sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk 3 c flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
- Press dough into prepared pan and bake for 16-20 minutes. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat 3/4 c butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons lemon juice (optional), crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and 2-3 c powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled bars and top with fresh strawberries or sprinkles. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
