Gluten-free Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 1 h 1 min
Yield: 1, 8x8 Pan
Ingredients: 6 Tbsp. butter, room temperature; 1/4 c. cream cheese, room temperature; 3/4 c. sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla; 1 egg; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. cornstarch; 1 1/4 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 3/4 c. butter, room temperature (1 1/2 sticks); 3 c. powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 Tbsp. milk; 1 tsp. vanilla

Desserts

Sep 20

Written By Kali Terry

When it comes to baking, few treats are as universally loved as sugar cookies. Their delicate sweetness and soft texture make them a go-to choice for holidays, parties, or even a simple afternoon snack. However, if you or someone you love follows a gluten-free diet, you may have struggled to find a sugar cookie recipe that delivers on both flavor and texture. That's where these Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars Topped with Smooth Vanilla Buttercream come in! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves sugar cookies but needs to avoid gluten. The best part? They’re easy to make, taste absolutely delicious, and are topped with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla buttercream that takes them to the next level.

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Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Icing and Rainbow Sprinkles

The Magic of Sugar Cookie Bars

While individual sugar cookies are delightful, sugar cookie bars have a special charm all their own. They combine all the best qualities of a sugar cookie—sweetness, flavor, and that satisfying bite—into a simpler, more accessible format. You don’t need to worry about rolling dough, cutting out shapes, or dealing with messes of flour on your countertop. Instead, this sugar cookie bar recipe allows you to spread the dough into a pan, bake it, and frost it all in one go.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, soft sugar cookie that practically melts in your mouth—now add a dreamy, smooth vanilla buttercream on top that’s both creamy and light. These gluten-free sugar cookie bars are the epitome of dessert perfection. The flavor is sweet, but not overwhelming, and the texture is exactly what you’d hope for in a sugar cookie: soft, chewy, and just the right amount of crumbly. Thanks to the combination of gluten-free flour, butter, and a touch of cream cheese the bars have a richness that’s balanced by the slight tanginess of the sour cream and the sweetness of the buttercream.

The real magic, though, is in the buttercream topping. The vanilla flavor is pure and aromatic, and the frosting itself is light and fluffy—complementing the soft, chewy cookie bars perfectly. There’s just something about that balance between the pillowy texture of the sugar cookie and the velvety smoothness of the buttercream that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Whether you're a gluten-free eater or not, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!)—they’re simply irresistible!

These sugar cookie bars are:

Chewy and soft: The texture is tender and melt-in-your-mouth, with just the right amount of chewiness.
Simple to make: No rolling out dough or chilling required! The dough comes together quickly and easily.
Customizable: You can top them with any frosting or decorations of your choice. Think sprinkles, edible glitter, or even colorful designs for different occasions.
Perfect for any event: Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, holiday gathering, or a special family treat, these bars are easy to transport, serve, and enjoy.

Easy, Peasy, Sugar Cookie Bar Squeezy

If you’ve ever been intimidated by gluten-free baking, let these gluten-free sugar cookie bars put your fears to rest. They’re incredibly straightforward and easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling dough, cutting out shapes, and worrying about perfectly even cookies, these bars eliminate the need for all that fuss.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You simply mix the ingredients, spread the dough into a pan, bake, and frost. There’s no rolling pin, no cookie cutters, and no stress about making sure each cookie is uniform. After baking, you don’t need to worry about the cookies spreading or losing their shape; the bars stay intact, and you’re left with perfectly square slices that are simple to serve and enjoy.

The prep time is quick too! You’ll have your dough mixed and in the oven in less than 15 minutes. The longest part of the process is letting the bars cool (which is a perfect time to make the buttercream and prepare any decorations you want). Even if you’ve never baked gluten-free before, you’ll find that these bars are foolproof and yield delicious results every time.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature.

- You could color the icing any color you want as well as use whatever sprinkles you want. You are not confined to pink icing and rainbow sprinkles! Have fun 😊

- I cut this bar into 16 squares, but you could cut it as small or large as you want.

- Once the bar is cooled you can easily lift it out of the pan because it's lined entirely with parchment paper. This makes it easy to cut up.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream and July 4th Sprinkles

If you're looking for a treat that combines ease, deliciousness, and gluten-free goodness, look no further than these gluten-free sugar cookie bars topped with vanilla buttercream. Not only are they a breeze to make, but the flavor and texture are out of this world. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting, sweet dessert, these bars are bound to impress everyone who tries them. Serve them at your next event, gift them to someone special, or just enjoy a slice (or two) with your favorite beverage. Regardless of the situation, they’ll quickly become your go-to gluten-free dessert.