Name: Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons almond milk (or soy/oat milk); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1-3 tablespoons almond milk; Vegan-friendly food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (vegan-friendly)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 47 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both comforting and cheerful, this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine soft, buttery bars with the perfect balance of sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture topped with luscious, colorful vegan frosting and sprinkles. These bars bring all the joy of classic sugar cookies, but in an easy-to-make pan bar form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you want a burst of happiness. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create this delightful dessert, and once you try it, it might just become your go-to recipe for celebrations or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square cake layer with a light golden brown color sits flat on white crumpled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The cake is topped evenly with a thick, creamy layer of soft, pale pink frosting that has smooth, swirling patterns across the top. The frosting covers the entire top surface and slightly touches the edges of the cake, creating a gentle texture contrast with the flat cake layer beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor for your bars. From the vegan butter that adds richness, to the baking powder and soda that help the bars rise just right, and the vanilla extract that brings warmth — every ingredient is essential.

3/4 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature: This provides a creamy base that ensures the cookie bars stay soft and rich.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: The key sweetener that gives these bars their classic sugar cookie taste.
2 tablespoons almond milk (or soy/oat): Adds moisture without dairy, keeping the recipe fully vegan.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create that tender, slightly chewy texture in the cookie bars.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a lovely depth of flavor and sweetness.
2 cups all purpose flour: The structure builder that holds everything together.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bars a little lift and softness.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to lighten the texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened to room temperature: For the frosting, creating that rich, creamy spread.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor to the frosting.
1-3 tablespoons almond milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to just right.
Food coloring (vegan friendly): Makes decorating fun and festive.
Sprinkles: For an extra touch of celebration and crunch.

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get a 9×13 inch pan ready by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your bars lift out easily and bake evenly, setting the foundation perfectly for success.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your dough, giving the bars a lovely lightness that will make every bite so satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Almond Milk, Cornstarch, and Vanilla

Next, mix in the almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for another minute, making sure everything combines smoothly. The cornstarch here is the secret weapon for softness, while the vanilla makes the bars smell heavenly.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until everything just comes together, being careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure an even blend of ingredients throughout your batter.

Step 5: Press and Bake the Dough

Transfer your cookie dough to the prepared pan and press it down evenly to create a smooth surface. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bars turn a light golden brown and look set in the middle. A perfectly baked bar will have a slight give but not be doughy. Let it cool completely before moving on to decorating.

Step 6: Make and Spread the Frosting

Using your stand or handheld mixer, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and start with 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Beat starting on low and increasing to high speed for 2 to 3 minutes for a fluffy, smooth frosting. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar until you reach a spreadable texture.

Step 7: Color and Decorate

Add your choice of vegan-friendly food coloring a little at a time until you get the perfect shade. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then sprinkle generously with sprinkles. Cut into squares or bars and prepare to enjoy the sweet magic you’ve just created!

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of dessert arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two visible layers: a light beige bottom layer with a soft, crumbly texture and a thick, smooth top layer of bright pink frosting. The frosting is decorated with small, colorful sprinkles scattered unevenly, including round, stick, and star shapes in various colors like red, green, yellow, blue, white, and purple. The pieces are placed directly on parchment paper with some small gaps between them, giving a neat grid-like layout. One piece is slightly lifted, showing a clear side view of the two layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bars shine with a simple sprinkle topping, but feel free to get creative! You can add finely chopped nuts or a dusting of vegan edible glitter to make them extra special for holidays or parties. Fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair vegan sugar cookie bars with a glass of almond milk or a warm cup of your favorite non-dairy coffee or tea. A fruit salad alongside these bars can also balance out the sweetness while keeping your serving tray colorful and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dessert platter, layer the bars with cupcakes or parfaits made from coconut whipped cream and berries. You can also package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them refrigerated will keep them fresh longer, just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their softness.

Freezing

These vegan sugar cookie bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the entire pan (if unfrosted) tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed soft, warming them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds can revive that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Avoid overheating, as the frosting may soften too much, but a gentle warm-up really brings out the lovely flavors.

FAQs

Can I use another type of plant-based milk besides almond milk?

Absolutely! Soy, oat, cashew, or any other plant-based milk can be substituted one-to-one. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but all will work well with this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe.

What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?

Cornstarch helps to give the bars a tender crumb, but if you don’t have any, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a one-to-one replacement. Skipping it may result in slightly denser bars, but they will still be delicious.

Are the sprinkles always vegan?

Not all sprinkles are vegan, so check labels carefully. Many brands now offer vegan-friendly sprinkles without shellac or confectioner’s glaze, which come from insects.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and watch the texture closely, as gluten-free doughs can sometimes be a little more delicate.

How long will the frosting keep on the bars?

The vegan frosting will generally stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated. For best results, store the bars in an airtight container and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is such a joyful, simple way to bring a little sweetness and celebration into your day. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings, a casual snack, or just because, these bars deliver all the warmth and comfort you want from a sugar cookie — with the added bonus of being vegan and foolproof. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!