Cake Mix Sugar Cookie Bars
If you love soft sugar cookies but want something easier to make, these Cake Mix Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat. Instead of scooping individual cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as bars, making the process much quicker and simpler.
These bars are soft, chewy, and buttery with a classic sugar cookie flavor. To make them extra fun and eye-catching, they’re topped with smooth pink frosting made with pink food coloring and finished with Crush On You Sprinkle Mix. They’re perfect for birthday, parties, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or anytime you want a cute dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
Pink Frosting
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla flavoring extract
Topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the cookie dough.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix until a thick cookie dough forms.
3. Press dough into pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands.
4. Bake the bars
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
5. Cool completely
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the pink frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla flavoring extract. Mix until creamy and fluffy. Add hot pink oil-based food coloring until desired shade of pink is reached.
7. Frost and decorate
Spread the pink frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top with your favorite sprinkle mix.
8. Slice and serve
Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
• Don’t overbake
Overbaking can make the bars dry. The center should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
• Let the bars cool first
Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt.
• Line your pan with parchment
This makes it much easier to lift the bars out and cut clean slices.
Fun Variations
You can easily customize these cookie bars:
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars- add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough
• Funfetti Cookie Bars- mix sprinkles directly into the batter
• Strawberry Frosted Bars- flavor the frosting with strawberry flavoring extract
• Holiday Cookie Bars- use seasonal sprinkles
FAQ
1. Can I use any cake mix for cookie bars?
Yes! White cake mix or vanilla cake mix works best for classic sugar cookie bars, but you can also experiment with Funfetti, strawberry, or lemon cake mix.
2. Why are my cookie bars crumbly?
Crumbly bar can happen if there isn’t enough moisture or if they are overbaked. Make sure to measure ingredients correctly and remove the bars once the center is set.
3. How do I store sugar cookie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, you can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes. Freeze the bars without frosting in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
5. Can I make the frosting a different color?
Absolutely. Simply change the food coloring to match different occasions like blue, purple, yellow, or pastel colors.