These Maple Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a cozy, fall-inspired dessert made with a soft and chewy maple-cinnamon cookie base and finished with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re simple to prepare, use everyday pantry ingredients, and are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are wonderfully soft with warm maple and cinnamon flavors in every bite. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness and richness without overpowering the cookie base. This recipe is easy to follow, doesn’t require chilling the dough, and bakes in a single pan, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s a reliable dessert for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy day at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the maple cookie bars:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper over the sides for easy removal.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and maple extract, and mix until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Spread the thick dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the top no longer looks glossy. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon if desired, then slice into squares and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 9 generous bars.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 22 minutes
Total time: 52 minutes

Variations

For a deeper maple flavor, you can increase the maple extract to 2 teaspoons. Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a bit of crunch. If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the frosting layer by using half the amount or swirl it decoratively instead of spreading it thickly. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or maple extract to the frosting for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. These bars can also be frozen without the frosting for up to 2 months; thaw completely and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, the bars can be baked a day in advance and frosted the next day. Store the unfrosted bars covered at room temperature.

Do I need to use maple extract?

Maple extract enhances the maple flavor, but you can omit it if needed. The bars will still have a mild maple taste from the syrup.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to a pinch to avoid an overly salty flavor.

Why is my dough so thick?

This dough is meant to be thick to create soft, chewy bars. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should no longer look wet or glossy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?

Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or cut it into cubes to soften faster.

Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?

You can reduce the confectioners’ sugar slightly, but the frosting may be softer and less stable.

Are these bars meant to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended for storage.

Can I cut these into smaller pieces?

Absolutely. You can cut them into 12 or 16 smaller squares for serving at gatherings.

Conclusion

Maple Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a comforting, flavorful dessert that captures the warmth of fall in every bite. With their soft texture, rich maple notes, and creamy topping, they’re easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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