Sugar Cookie Bars
If you love the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies but want something simpler to make, these Sugar Cookie Bars are your new best friend! With a tender cookie base and a thick layer of creamy frosting, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to a quick midweek dessert.
I first made these Sugar Cookie Bars when I was short on time but wanted to bring a homemade dessert to a family gathering. My husband and kids were hooked after the first bite, and now these bars have become a staple in our household. They’re so versatile—you can add sprinkles for a festive touch or dye the frosting to match any holiday theme!
Why You’ll Love Sugar Cookie Bars
•Quick and Easy: No rolling or cutting like traditional sugar cookies.
•Perfect for Decorating: Customize with sprinkles, colors, or themed toppings.
•Soft and Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of buttery goodness and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
•Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares for a crowd-friendly dessert.
Ingredients Notes for Sugar Cookie Bars
•Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich, creamy flavor.
•Granulated Sugar: The base for sweetness and a classic cookie flavor.
•Eggs: Adds moisture and structure.
•Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and gives that signature sugar cookie taste.
•All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect texture for the bars.
•Frosting: Use cream cheese or buttercream frosting as a delicious topping.
Recipe Steps
1.Prepare the Dough:
•Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
•Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
•Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
2.Bake the Bars:
•Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
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•Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Do not overbake!
•Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
3.Frost and Decorate:
•Spread your frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
•Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or any toppings of your choice.
4.Slice and Serve:
•Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
•Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
•Freezer: Freeze frosted or unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
Variations & Substitutions
•Holiday-Themed Bars: Add colored sprinkles or tint the frosting for any occasion.
•Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the frosting.
•Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger pan or make two batches to feed a bigger crowd.
Q: What type of frosting works best?
A: Cream cheese frosting is a favorite for its tangy balance, but classic buttercream also works wonderfully.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and frost the bars a day ahead—they taste even better after sitting overnight.
These Sugar Cookie Bars are an effortless way to enjoy the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a lot less fuss. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because!
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Sugar Cookie Bars
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Bars:
- 0.5 lb 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Frosting:
- 0.5 lb 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring optional
- Sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Bars:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If using, add gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles or decorations as desired.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
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