Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Sugar Cookie Bars with Sugared Almond Frosting

If you love a classic sugar cookie but don’t love all the extra steps, this almond sugar cookie bars recipe is the one you’ll come back to.
Prep Time12 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Keyword: almond buttercream, almond sugar cookie bars, almond sugar cookies, sugar cookie bars
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Base:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugared Almond Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 1/2 - 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons almond extract (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Coarse sugar crystals (for topping)

Instructions

The Cookie Base:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  • Do not overbake, soft centers are key.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

The Almond Frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, almond extract, and salt.
  • Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Taste and adjust almond extract as needed. Goal is a clear almond flavor without overpowering the frosting.
  • Spread evenly over the cooled cookie bars.

Finish & Top

  • Sprinkle coarse sugar crystals generously over the frosting. This adds a subtle crunch and a pretty bakery-style finish.
  • Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
Slightly underbake for the softest texture
Use coarse sugar crystals instead of sanding sugar for more crunch
Let bars chill briefly before cutting for cleaner edges
Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days