Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a treat that’s both deliciously comforting and completely plant-based, you’re going to flip for this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars come out perfectly soft, a little crumbly, and topped with that luscious, creamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried making a vegan sugar cookie, I struggled with finding the right texture—too dry or too dense. But this recipe? It nails that classic sugar cookie vibe in bar form, making it super easy to slice and share. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step, so your finished bars turn out bakery-level amazing!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe come together beautifully to create that classic sugar cookie flavor and texture. I love that it uses pantry staples you likely have on hand, and it’s flexible with options for milk and starch substitutes. The key is really in the softened vegan butter for that perfect buttery bite.

• Vegan butter: I always use a quality brand that’s soft and not melted; this helps build that perfect fluffy dough.
• Granulated sugar: Standard white sugar works best here, giving the right sweetness and texture.
• Almond milk (or soy/oat): Any plant milk will do, but almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness I adore.
• Cornstarch: This keeps the cookies tender—don’t skip it! If you prefer, arrowroot or tapioca starch works fine too.
• Pure vanilla extract: A quality vanilla makes all the difference in the flavor depth.
• All-purpose flour: This gives structure; you can swap in gluten-free flour if needed.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Both create a nice rise and lightness without any weird aftertaste.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For the frosting—make sure it’s vegan friendly and really powdery for smooth frosting.
• Vegan sprinkles and food coloring (optional): For those fun finishing touches—totally optional but so festive!

Variations

I love playing around with this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe to suit different moods and seasons. You can tweak the frosting colors, add mix-ins, or even adjust for dietary needs—it’s a really forgiving base that lets you get creative.

• Gluten-free twist: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and the bars still came out fantastic—just watch for a tiny texture difference.
• Flavored frosting: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the frosting brings a fresh new spin that my guests unexpectedly loved.
• Nutty mix-ins: Sometimes, I fold in chopped pecans or walnuts right before baking for a crunchy surprise.
• Seasonal sprinkles: For holidays, I use themed sprinkles that make these bars perfect for gifting or parties.

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get your pan and preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and prepping a 9×13 inch pan by either greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. I like using parchment because the bars lift right out, making slicing a breeze and preventing any sticking mishaps.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy

In a large bowl, use a stand or handheld mixer to beat the softened vegan butter with the granulated sugar. This takes about 3-4 minutes on high speed, and it’s so worth it because it creates that light and fluffy base that makes these bars melt in your mouth. Watch as the mixture transforms—if it looks chalky or too grainy, keep beating a bit longer.

Step 3: Add liquids and flavorings

Next, pour in your almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Beat again on high speed for about a minute until everything is well incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally so that no flour or butter hides away unsmixed.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients gently

Sift together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then add these dry ingredients to your wet mix. Switch your mixer to low speed and combine just until there’s no visible flour—that’s the sweet spot where everything is mixed but you haven’t overworked the dough. Give the bowl a few scrapes so you don’t miss any flour stuck at the bottom or sides.

Step 5: Press and bake

Transfer your cookie dough to the prepared pan and press it down evenly with your hands or a spatula. I like to smooth it out so every bar bakes consistently. Bake for 12-15 minutes—watch closely because it’s done when the edges turn light golden brown and the center looks set, but isn’t overbaked or dry.

Step 6: Prepare the frosting

While your bars cool (and cooling is important here—I’ve learned it leads to the best frosting spread), whip up your frosting. Beat the vegan butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of almond milk. Start mixing on low, then crank up to high speed for 2-3 minutes to get a creamy, fluffy texture. Add more milk if it feels too thick or powdered sugar if too runny.

Step 7: Color, frost, and decorate

If you want, add a few drops of vegan-friendly food coloring to the frosting for a fun pop of color. Spread it evenly over your completely cooled sugar cookie bars and garnish with sprinkles. Cutting into neat bars is so satisfying, and trust me, they disappear fast at any gathering.

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for colorful sprinkles because they bring that joyful crunch and nostalgia to these bars. Sometimes I use edible glitter or finely chopped nuts for a fancier touch, especially if I’m gifting them. It’s fun to match the frosting color and sprinkles theme to seasons or celebrations, too.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of dairy-free milk latte or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you serve them at a party, I like putting out fresh fruit or vegan ice cream alongside for guests who want a little variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I stacked smaller bars tiered like a mini cake, using extra frosting between layers. They make darling party favors when wrapped individually with a ribbon. You can also cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters after baking—just be sure to cool and frost first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them a bit softer, leaving them out is best to maintain that tender texture. Refrigeration can sometimes dry out the cookies, so I avoid it unless necessary.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these bars both frosted and unfrosted. For best results, freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then frost. If you freeze after frosting, allow them to thaw slowly to avoid frosting separation.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, pop unfrosted slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. For frosted bars, warm gently in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds, carefully so frosting doesn’t melt too much—trust me, patience here pays off!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my kitchen and my go-to for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in. I love that it’s approachable, forgiving, and truly tastes like the classic treat we all adore, just without any animal products. You’re going to feel proud serving these to your friends and family, trust me. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking—you’ll thank me when these bars disappear faster than you expected!

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