Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, combining a soft, buttery base with a sweet, creamy frosting. Perfect for sharing, these bars offer all the familiar flavors in an easy-to-cut form that’s ideal for gatherings or a simple treat any day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 3 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing just until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
4. Step 4: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bars are set and the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel if using. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
6. Step 6: Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting generously on top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired, then cut into 16 equal squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a different flavor twist.
• For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• To make the frosting without food coloring, simply omit the gel or use natural coloring alternatives like beet juice.

Storage

Store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week; allow bars to come to room temperature before serving. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap them well and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slightly if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind it might affect the taste and softness of the cookie bars.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The cookie bars are done when the edges look set and the top turns a light golden brown. They will still be soft but should not appear wet or undercooked in the center.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies with a soft, buttery base topped with creamy vanilla frosting and optional sprinkles. Perfectly baked in a single pan and cut into easy-to-serve bars, they make a great treat for holidays, parties, or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 3 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder and all-purpose flour into the wet mixture. Mix gently until a thick cookie dough forms, taking care not to overmix as this can cause tough bars.
4. Spread and Bake: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookie is set and the top turns a light golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Prepare Frosting: While the cookie bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel if using. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
6. Frost and Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread the prepared frosting generously over the top. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive touch. Finally, cut the frosted cookie into 16 equal square bars and serve.

Notes

• Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the bars tender and soft.
• The frosting can be tinted with any color food coloring gel to match any occasion.
• Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Sprinkles are optional but add a fun, festive look especially for holidays or parties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sugar Cookie Bars, Frosted Sugar Bars, Soft Sugar Cookies, Baked Cookie Bars, Holiday Cookies, Easy Sugar Bars