Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
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; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and buttery in one irresistible treat, let me introduce you to Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars combine a soft, rich sugar cookie base with a luscious strawberry frosting (made with real, freeze-dried strawberries!) that tastes just like summer in every bite. Each bar delivers a bakery-worthy look and flavor, yet they come together with simple pantry ingredients. When I serve these, friends and family swoon over their vibrant color and fresh strawberry scent—trust me, you’ll be making these on repeat!

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of baking staples and a few special touches, the flavor and texture of these bars are truly elevated. Each ingredient shines through, creating those signature Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars everyone will remember.

Butter (unsalted, room temperature): Soft, creamy butter adds richness and gives both the cookie base and frosting their dreamy texture.
Sugar: Classic granulated sugar ensures the cookie bars are sweet and tender.
Egg + Egg Yolk: Using both gives you extra moisture and chew—which translates to cookie bar perfection!
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this—it rounds out the sweetness and flavor of both the bars and the frosting.
Almond Extract: Just a splash gives the dough that “secret bakery” taste (it’s subtle, but makes a difference!).
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour forms the basis of the soft cookie bars—measure it carefully for the perfect texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A pinch of each works together to help the bars rise just enough and remain soft.
Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness so nothing tastes one-dimensional.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: The secret to vibrant, real strawberry flavor and that gorgeous pink hue in your frosting. Don’t use fresh or frozen here!
Powdered Sugar: This creates a perfectly smooth, creamy frosting that’s easy to spread.
Lemon Juice (optional): Just a bit brightens the frosting and accentuates the strawberry notes.
Fresh Strawberries & Sprinkles (for topping): Add color, freshness, and fun to every bar.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch casserole dish with parchment paper so you can easily lift the bars out later and lightly grease the sides for mess-free removal. That parchment is a lifesaver, especially when you want neat, bakery-style squares!

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Bar Dough

Using a stand mixer (or a good hand mixer), beat together the butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy—scraping the bowl as needed. This step gives your Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extracts. (Quick tip: If you need room temperature eggs fast, soak them in warm water for a few minutes.) Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get any pockets of baking soda or salt in your finished bars.

Step 4: Mix and Press

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until incorporated—you want the dough to stay tender, so don’t overmix. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and use clean hands or a spatula to press it evenly across the bottom. Aim for an even, smooth surface so your bars bake consistently.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 16–20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them: you’re looking for barely golden edges but a pale, soft center. Overbaking leads to dry bars, so pull them as soon as you spot that gentle golden rim. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting—trust me, patience pays here!

Step 6: Whip Up the Strawberry Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the butter, vanilla, optional lemon juice, and your finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries with about 1 cup of powdered sugar. Gradually add the rest of the powdered sugar until you reach your desired creaminess (soft enough to spread, but thick enough to hold its shape). If it gets too stiff, add a splash of milk or a bit more lemon juice for that silky-smooth finish.

Step 7: Frost and Top

Once the bars are cool, use the parchment “handles” to lift out the whole slab. Slather on your strawberry frosting, spreading it all the way to the corners. Top with slices of fresh strawberries for color and flavor. If you love a festive touch, scatter your favorite sprinkles on right away so they stick to the frosting—this is when Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars really shine!

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

I love to finish these bars with extra fresh sliced strawberries or even a few whole small berries for drama. For a touch of sparkle, add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter right after frosting. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra dreamy.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are delightfully sweet, so serve them alongside something light and refreshing like a bowl of mixed berries, tangy lemon sorbet, or a pot of herbal tea. For a party, fresh whipped cream pairs beautifully with the bars and might even have guests asking for more!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into neat squares, triangles, or even circles using a cookie cutter for a special event. Layer individual bars with frosting and berries parfait-style in small glasses, or skewer squares onto popsicle sticks for a whimsical treat perfect for birthday parties and showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars can be covered and kept at room temperature for a day, but I recommend storing them in the fridge if it’s warm or humid. Just place them in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful frosting.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these for future cravings! I recommend slicing unfrosted bars, wrapping them tightly, and storing in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost fresh for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. If chilled or just out of the freezer, simply let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and alter the tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried for the frosting?

For the prettiest color and strongest flavor, stick with freeze-dried strawberries. Fresh or frozen berries will make the frosting too runny and won’t pack that concentrated berry punch.

How do I get my cookie bars to stay super soft?

Be sure not to overbake. As soon as the edges start turning golden, remove them from the oven—the interior should look light and slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool, staying soft and chewy!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a little separately for best results.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Totally—just bake in two separate pans for best results, or use one extra-large baking sheet. Keep an eye on the bake time, as thicker cookies may need a couple more minutes in the oven.

Do Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars travel well?

They do! Once cut, store them in a single layer in a sturdy container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep them cool so the frosting stays firm—perfect for parties or picnics.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste the magic in these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and every bite really does bring a little slice of happiness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), I promise they’ll be a new favorite. Give them a try and share the sweet love!

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars that are a perfect blend of sweet and fruity flavors. These bars feature a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a luscious strawberry frosting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch casserole dish with parchment paper and grease the sides.
Beat butter and sugar in a stand mixer for 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until combined and press into prepared pan.
Bake for 16-20 minutes until edges turn golden. Cool on a rack.
For the frosting, beat butter, vanilla, lemon juice, crushed strawberries, and powdered sugar. Adjust sweetness with additional sugar.
Once cooled, lift bars out of the pan using parchment paper. Frost and decorate with fresh strawberries and sprinkles.
Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American