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Cozy Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Colorful School Frosting Tutorial

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These cozy sugar cookie bars feature a soft, buttery base topped with vibrant, playful school-style frosting. Perfect for a quick, comforting treat that’s easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Gel food coloring in assorted bright colors
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice for frosting flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using slightly damp hands or the back of a flat measuring cup.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden but center is still soft to the touch.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  9. To make frosting, whisk together 3 cups sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons meringue powder in a medium bowl.
  10. Gradually add 5 tablespoons water, adjusting to a thick but pipeable consistency. Add vanilla or lemon juice if desired.
  11. Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring.
  12. Pipe colorful frosting patterns onto cooled bars using piping bags or zip-top bags with a small snip.
  13. Let frosting set at room temperature for 1-2 hours until firm.
  14. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep bars tender. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use meringue powder for a glossy, firm frosting finish. If piping bags are unavailable, use zip-top bags with a small corner snip. For gluten-free or dairy-free options, substitute flour and butter accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, school frosting, easy dessert, colorful frosting, kid-friendly dessert, quick baking, buttery cookie bars

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-colorful-school-frosting-tutorial/