Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery sweetness with the fresh brightness of berries, look no further than these Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream. This recipe brings a fresh twist to classic sugar cookies by turning them into bars, then crowning them with a luscious roasted strawberry buttercream that’s bursting with natural, caramelized flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something irresistibly good, these bars are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every element is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor that make this dessert so special.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie bars, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: A little lift to ensure your bars stay soft but slightly cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and helps balance the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming; key for that rich, buttery base in both the bars and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the cookie bars.
- Large egg: Binds everything together, giving moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract: The ultimate flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth.
- White chocolate chips: Melt just a bit inside the cookie bars, lending pockets of creamy sweetness.
- Sliced strawberries: Roasted to concentrate their flavor and transform into the base of the buttercream.
- Canola oil: Helps the strawberries roast beautifully by adding a shiny glaze and preventing sticking.
- Powdered sugar: Creates the perfect smooth and sweet texture for the frosting.
- Vanilla extract and salt (for frosting): Balance and brighten the roasted strawberry buttercream for luscious results.
- Additional sliced strawberries: Optional, but gorgeous for garnishing the finished bars.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Bar Base
Start by lining a 9-inch baking pan with parchment and giving it a quick spray to ensure the cookies don’t stick. Sifting together the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and salt — is a small step that ensures your cookie bars will have a delicate crumb without any clumps. Then cream the butter and sugar until they turn pale and fluffy; this is where the magic of texture begins. Incorporate the egg and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients carefully so you don’t overmix. Toss in the white chocolate chips and press the dough evenly into the pan. Refrigerate this dough for two hours to let it firm up for baking.
Step 2: Bake the Cookie Bars
When your dough is well chilled, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 14 to 16 minutes. You’re aiming for a slight golden edge with a soft and tender center, creating the perfect base for the frosting. After baking, cool completely before moving to the next step. This cooling process helps the bars set perfectly and makes slicing much easier later.
Step 3: Roast the Strawberries for Buttercream
Roasting the strawberries is what sets this buttercream apart from any other frosting. Toss the sliced berries in a touch of canola oil and spread them on a parchment-lined sheet. Roast them until their juices thicken and caramelize lightly, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a deep, rich flavor. Cool the berries thoroughly, making sure not to include any scorched bits, then chop them gently before incorporating into the buttercream.
Step 4: Whip Up the Roasted Strawberry Buttercream
Cream the room temperature butter until silky smooth, then blend in the roasted strawberries so their lovely flavor infuses into every bite. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. A touch of vanilla and salt rounds it out beautifully. Adjust powdered sugar and salt to taste, ensuring the balance of sweetness and brightness is just right.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost
Spread the luscious roasted strawberry buttercream over the fully cooled sugar cookie bars in an even layer. Once frosted, slice into squares or bars. For an extra pop of color and freshness, top with additional sliced strawberries before serving. These bars are a showstopper and an absolute delight from the first bite to the last crumb.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries add a gorgeous, natural garnish that complements the roasted strawberry flavor while adding vibrant color. For some extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few white chocolate shavings can make these bars look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee balances the sweetness and makes for a comforting afternoon treat or impressive dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment or stacked neatly on a tiered dessert tray for parties. You can also cut the bars into bite-sized squares, perfect for serving at gatherings as finger-friendly treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sugar cookie bars with roasted strawberry buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the frosting’s freshness and the bars’ softness. They will stay delicious for about 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, remove the frosting if possible and microwave the bars for 10 to 15 seconds. Add the frosting back on after warming if you prefer. Keep in mind the buttercream will soften when warm, so it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture that could affect the frosting texture.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can omit them or substitute with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and resulting in bars that hold their shape better when baked.
Can I make the buttercream without roasting the strawberries?
Roasting intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds depth, but if you’re short on time, using fresh strawberries blended well can still yield a tasty frosting.
How do I get my frosting fluffy and not runny?
Be sure your butter is softened (not melted), and add powdered sugar gradually. Beat the frosting on high speed for several minutes to incorporate air and create that fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that Sugar Cookie Bars with Roasted Strawberry Buttercream are a total game changer for your dessert lineup. The interplay of tender, buttery cookie bars with the vibrant, velvety roasted strawberry frosting is just heavenly. Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a special celebration, these bars will make everyone’s day a little sweeter. So go ahead and give the recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
