Frosted Lemonade Sugar Cookie Bars
July 12, 2025
A dessert twist inspired by the tangy-sweet magic of Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Lemonade—now in sugar cookie bar form.
These Frosted Lemonade Sugar Cookie Bars are bright, sweet, and totally sunshine-ready. Inspired by the classic Chick-fil-A frosted lemonade, they blend sugar cookie dough, crushed Lemon Oreos, and a tangy lemon frosting into one chilled, chewy dessert. Serve them chilled for bake sales, lemonade stands, or anytime you need a citrusy treat that feels like sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re inspired by Chick-fil-A’s frosted lemonade.
- The bars start with easy break-apart sugar cookie dough.
- Chopped Lemon Oreos add crunch and flavor.
- The lemon frosting is creamy, tangy, and spreadable.
- They’re served cold for the ultimate summer treat.
- Perfect for bake sales, lemonade stands, or a fun twist on sugar cookie bars.
Ingredient Notes
- Break-apart sugar cookie dough: This shortcut keeps things easy and consistent—no need to measure or mix from scratch. Any brand will work, but Pillsbury is a popular go-to.
- Lemon Oreos: These bring in extra citrus flavor and texture. Roughly chop for better distribution without overpowering the dough.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Lemon extract: Optional, but enhances the lemon flavor without needing zest.
- Sparkly sugar: Adds a glittery finish to the frosting. Use white, yellow, or even edible gold for extra flair.
- Yellow food coloring: Optional but helps give the frosting that classic lemonade look—especially fun for summer stands or parties.
Before You Bake
Do I need to soften the break-apart cookie dough before mixing?
Yes—let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it’s easier to combine with the other ingredients.
Can I skip the lemon extract?
Absolutely. The bars will still have a bright lemon flavor from the juice and Lemon Oreos, but the extract adds a little boost if you want a stronger citrus punch.
Should the bars be stored in the fridge?
Yes—these bars are best served cold. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frosted Lemonade Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 package break-apart sugar cookie dough (about 16.5 oz)
- 12 Lemon Oreos, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional for stronger flavor)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Yellow food coloring, optional
- Sparkly sugar for topping
Instructions
For the Bars:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the break-apart sugar cookie dough, chopped Lemon Oreos, lemon juice, and lemon extract (if using). Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
For the Icing:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable, adding more liquid as needed.
- If using, add a drop or two of yellow food coloring for brighter yellow color.
Assembly:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars in a thick, even layer.
- Top with sparkly sugar.
- Chill until the bars are cold and have that “frosted” feel and then slice into bars and serve cold.
FAQ
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of break-apart?
Yes, just use about 16 oz of homemade dough and follow the same instructions.
Do I need to crush the Lemon Oreos finely?
No, a rough chop works best—you want chunks throughout and a few visible on top.
Can I freeze these bars?
You can freeze them before frosting, but for the best texture, add the frosting after thawing.
What size pan works best?
A 9×9-inch pan gives you the perfect thickness. An 8×8 will also work for slightly thicker bars.
Is bottled lemon juice okay?
Yes, bottled works, but fresh lemon juice will give the frosting a brighter, more natural flavor.
Sprinkle of Fun
These bars were made for sunny sidewalk days and big lemonade dreams. Whip up a batch with your kids and set up an outdoor lemonade stand—complete with icy cups of fresh lemonade and these frosted bars as the star treat. Wrap each bar in parchment and tie with twine or pop them into clear bags with a sticker. Add a bright sign, a few balloons, and let the sweetest sugar cookie sales roll in!
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