Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat when you want all the buttery, sweet goodness of sugar cookies in an easy-to-cut bar form. These soft, tender bars are topped with creamy frosting and optional sprinkles for a festive touch. Ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.

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 (for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 Tbsp milk (for frosting)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pink food coloring gel (optional, for frosting)
• Sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese, mixing until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bars are set and the top turns a light golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 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 are cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a classic flavor, omit the almond extract or replace it with lemon extract.
• If you prefer less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
• Try using different food coloring gels to match seasonal themes or celebrations.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain thickness and structure.

Storage

Store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Leftover bars can also be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture in sugar cookie bars.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds moisture and tang, but you can skip it if needed. The bars may be slightly less tender but will still taste delicious.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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Description

These delightful Sugar Cookie Bars combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a creamy, sweet frosting, making them perfect for any occasion. The bars are easy to prepare, baked in a single pan, and decorated with optional pink frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Base

• 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix gently to form a thick cookie dough batter, taking care not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
4. Bake Cookie Base: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow the cookie base to cool for a few minutes before frosting.
5. Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring gel until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
6. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie base has cooled sufficiently, spread the frosting generously over the top. Decorate with optional sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.
7. Serve: Cut the frosted cookie slab into 16 square bars and enjoy your delicious sugar cookie bars!

Notes

• Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture in the bars.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
• The frosting consistency can be adjusted to your preference by varying milk and powdered sugar amounts.
• Optional pink food coloring and sprinkles add a fun, decorative touch but can be omitted as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, frosted cookie bars, easy dessert bars, baked cookies, cream cheese cookie bars