Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft. Chewy. Bursting with berry flavor.
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that delivers bold strawberry flavor and irresistible texture, these Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-try. They are one of the most frequently requested desserts from my collection, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why. These bars combine the nostalgic charm of soft sugar cookies with a fruity twist, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or just because—you really don’t need an occasion to whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 ½ cups butter (room temperature; salted or unsalted works)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon LorAnn strawberry flavoring (or another high-quality strawberry extract)
- 4 to 5 drops pink food coloring (adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, cold
- ¼ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
Instructions
1. Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or coat with nonstick baking spray. This ensures the bars lift out cleanly for easy cutting.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the strawberry flavoring and a few drops of pink food coloring. Continue mixing until the color is fully incorporated and even throughout.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Bake the Bars
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it evenly into the corners using your fingers or an offset spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the top has lost its sheen, and the edges are lightly golden.
Tip: The key to soft and chewy bars is to avoid overbaking. The center should still look slightly puffy but no longer glossy when removed from the oven.
Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cold cream cheese and room-temperature butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes on high speed.
Add the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to high and beat until light and spreadable.
5. Assemble and Serve
Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface using an offset spatula or butter knife.
Optional Topping: Finish with festive sprinkles for seasonal flair or keep them plain for a more elegant look.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are soft, creamy, fruity, and completely addictive.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding the frosting.
Recipe Notes and Customization Ideas
- Substitute raspberry or cherry extract for a different fruit twist.
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and sweetness.
- Use natural food coloring or beet powder for a dye-free version.
- Swap cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream if preferred.
Quick Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 16–20 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 20–24 bars
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
These strawberry sugar cookie bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a guaranteed favorite that brings together the soft comfort of sugar cookies with the brightness of berries and the richness of cream cheese. Whether you serve them at a celebration or indulge in one on a quiet afternoon, they’re bound to become a recipe you return to again and again.