Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s both indulgently sweet and totally plant-based, you’re in for a real delight with this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—soft, buttery bars with just the right amount of vanilla sweetness, topped with creamy buttercream and colorful sprinkles that make it perfect for any celebration or everyday snack. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this recipe and wow your friends and family!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe uses such straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create that authentic sugar cookie flavor you know and love—all without any animal products.

• Vegan butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and the best creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Gives the bars that classic sweetness and slight crunch on the edges.
• Almond milk (or soy/oat): Adds moisture without overpowering other flavors—pick your favorite plant milk.
• Cornstarch: I discovered this trick when I realized it adds a tender crumb, mimicking the feel of real sugar cookies perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, fragrant note to make these taste like a dream.
• All-purpose flour: The star base for the bars; you can swap for gluten-free flour if you need to.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These help the bars rise just right—don’t skip them for that perfect crumb.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Gives the buttercream its creamy, smooth texture.
• Food coloring (vegan-friendly): Optional, but I love adding a pastel pink or blue to make the frosting pop.
• Sprinkles: Because what’s a sugar cookie bar without a little sparkle?

Variations

One of the things I love about this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer your bars extra soft, a bit more citrusy, or want to make them gluten-free, there’s a way to tailor this recipe to your taste.

• Gluten-Free Version: I tested this with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and it worked wonderfully, keeping that perfect soft texture without any gritty bites.
• Flavor Twists: Adding lemon or orange zest to the batter gives the bars a fresh, zesty punch that’s delightful in spring or summer.
• Different Milk Alternatives: Sometimes I swap almond milk for oat or soy to suit what I have on hand, and it doesn’t affect the outcome much at all.
• Frosting Colors & Toppings: From classic vanilla white to vibrant pastel shades, plus sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even edible glitter—get creative with how you decorate!

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Batter ‘Til Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch pan or lining it with parchment paper—that’s a lifesaver for easy cleanup and easy removal! In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat softened vegan butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key; it gives the bars that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love. Add the almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, then mix again until everything’s fully combined. Remember to scrape the bowl sides once or twice, so no un-mixed pockets sneak in.

Step 2: Incorporate Your Dry Ingredients Gently

Now, reduce the mixer to low speed and slowly add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together—you don’t want to overmix here because that can make your bars tough. Scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl a couple of times helps ensure an even mix. When your dough looks like soft cookie dough, it’s ready to be pressed into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Completely Before Frosting

Spread the batter evenly into your pan, pressing it gently with your hands or the back of a spoon. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye out so the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks set. That’s your cue! Let the bars cool fully before frosting—trust me, if the bars are warm, the buttercream will melt into a sticky mess.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamiest Vegan Buttercream

Using a mixer again, beat the softened vegan butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of almond milk, starting on low speed and working up to high for about 2-3 minutes. This airiness is what makes the frosting so dreamy. If the frosting feels too stiff, add another splash of milk; if it’s too loose, toss in a little more powdered sugar until you hit that spreadable but stable consistency. Coloring the frosting is super fun—just add a few drops of vegan-friendly food coloring and mix until you get the shade you want.

Step 5: Frost and Add Sprinkles, Then Slice and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cookie bars—don’t skimp here, that buttercream takes these bars to the next level. Finally, sprinkle on your festive vegan sprinkles to add that classic sugar cookie charm. Slice into bars (16 squares work well) and prepare for compliments because these bars won’t last long on your kitchen table!

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with classic rainbow vegan sprinkles for a nostalgic, fun vibe. Sometimes I also sprinkle crushed pistachios or edible flowers to impress guests at celebrations. If you want to keep it simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar after frosting looks beautiful too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a festive brunch, I like to serve the bars with vegan whipped cream and seasonal berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve turned these bars into mini individual squares wrapped in colorful parchment paper or placed in decorative mini boxes as edible gifts. You can also pipe fun shapes or messages into the buttercream before adding sprinkles, making it extra special for kids’ parties or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature if eating within 2 days. For longer storage (up to a week), the fridge works best—just bring bars to room temp or enjoy chilled depending on your preference. The frosting stays smooth and the bars remain soft when stored this way.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these bars both frosted and unfrosted! For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just note the frosting may get a little softer after thawing but still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

If you want to warm up your bars, pop an unfrosted bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness. If frosting is on, I recommend eating them chilled or at room temperature to keep the buttercream’s perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious and festive without any eggs or dairy. My family keeps asking me to bake these for every holiday and special occasion, and honestly, I don’t mind at all—it’s a feel-good recipe that’s guaranteed to please. I hope you’ll enjoy making these bars as much as I do, and feel free to experiment with flavors and decorations to make them truly your own!

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