Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, and this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe hits all those cozy notes. These bars are buttery, soft, and topped with a luscious frosting that’s perfect for any celebration or just a simple snack.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in these vegan sugar cookie bars has a role in delivering that perfect bite: tender, sweet, and just the right level of richness. When you choose quality ingredients, it truly makes a difference in taste and texture.

• Vegan butter: This gives the bars their rich, buttery flavor and soft crumb; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
• Almond milk: Or any plant milk you prefer—it hydrates the dough without weighing it down.
• Cornstarch: This is a little secret for extra softness and tenderness in the cookie texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and gives a warm flavor base.
• All-purpose flour: The structure maker; using regular flour is best here for the right bite.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your bars puff up just slightly for a soft, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates that smooth, creamy frosting that’s easy to spread or pipe.
• Food coloring and sprinkles: Totally optional, but they turn the bars into a festive treat any time of year.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is so flexible that I love playing with how I frost and decorate the bars. Sometimes I keep it classic vanilla, other times I swirl in a bit of lemon zest for a pop of freshness. How you choose to dress them up is totally up to you!

• Variation: I once switched the vanilla in the frosting for almond extract and topped with chopped toasted almonds—it was a unique twist that my friends devoured.
• Dietary mod: Need gluten-free? I’ve heard good things about using a blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free flour with a tiny extra moisture boost.
• Seasonal tweak: Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough can make these bars feel perfect for fall or winter celebrations.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

First things first, toss the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar into a large bowl. I use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat them for about 3 minutes until the mix is pale and fluffy. This step is key because it aerates the dough, giving those bars a lighter texture instead of dense. Make sure your butter is nicely softened; if it’s cold, the mixture won’t cream properly, and you’ll end up with a tougher bar.

Step 2: Add Almond Milk, Cornstarch, and Vanilla

Next, pour in the almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. I like to add these in one by one, mixing just until combined. Cornstarch might seem odd, but trust me, it gives the dough a velvety, tender crumb that's irresistible. Avoid overmixing here, as that can develop the gluten and make your bars tough.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I sift them together first to avoid lumps and then gradually mix into the wet ingredients. The dough will be soft but not sticky. If you feel it’s too crumbly, gently add a splash more almond milk. Handle the dough with care — gentle mixing preserves that tender texture we want.

Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x9-inch baking pan. I find using a piece of parchment paper helps get an even layer and makes cleanup easy, too. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. You’re aiming for a light golden edge but still soft in the center; it’ll firm up more as it cools. Keep a close eye – overbaking dries them out.

Step 5: Whip Up That Frosting

While the bars cool completely, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond milk. I start with one tablespoon of almond milk and add more to get the frosting just fluffy and spreadable. This is your chance to add a few drops of vegan-friendly food coloring if you want a fun hue. The frosting should be smooth and creamy without being runny.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once the bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Don’t rush this step — if the bars are warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. Sprinkle your favorite vegan sprinkles on top for a cheerful finish. Chill the bars for about 20 minutes if you want a firmer frosting set before slicing.

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I’m a simple soul—I love a scatter of colorful vegan sprinkles that make every bite feel festive and fun. For holidays, I sometimes swap sprinkles for edible glitter or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch, which adds a nice contrast to the soft bars.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or almond milk latte for a cozy afternoon treat. Or try them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light, balanced dessert spread. I’ve also enjoyed these bars with dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent duo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut these bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with dollops of fresh berries or edible flowers. Wrapping each bar in parchment and tying with twine also makes a charming edible gift that friends always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days — and honestly, they usually don’t last that long in my house! The cool storage helps the frosting stay firm without drying out the cookie base.

Freezing

If I plan ahead, I sometimes freeze the bars unfrosted, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, then frost fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you want a warm treat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften it without melting the frosting. It’s a quick way to mimic that freshly baked feel!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Frosting Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen. They bring a little sparkle to everyday life and can be adapted to every holiday or mood. I can’t recommend them enough—give them a try, and I bet you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe too!

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