Sugar Cookie Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the taste of a classic sugar cookie. Now, imagine that delightful flavor in the form of a bar—a treat that’s easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. These Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a simple weeknight dessert. With a soft, buttery base and a creamy frosting, they are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 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
For the Sugar Cookie 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)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bars later. Set the pan aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft, tender crumb in your cookie bars.
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese to the bowl. Beat these ingredients together until well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder into the mixture, blending until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
3. Bake the Cookie Bars:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and has a light golden hue. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
4. Make the Frosting:
While your cookie bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. For a fun, festive touch, add a few drops of pink food coloring gel and mix until the color is evenly distributed. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Frost and Decorate:
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, generously spread the frosting over the top. Add sprinkles if you like, for a decorative touch. Finally, cut the bars into 16 squares. Your Sugar Cookie Bars are now ready to serve and enjoy!
Quick Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: 200-250 per serving
These Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds—they’re also a feast for the eyes. Perfectly soft, beautifully frosted, and irresistibly sweet, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or simply on their own. Happy baking!
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Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the soft, buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of bar cookies. These bars are tender and slightly chewy, with a hint of almond that enhances their rich, buttery taste. The addition of cream cheese in the dough adds a subtle tang and extra softness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
1/2 cup butter, softened
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
For the Sugar Cookie 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)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
Gradually add in the flour and baking powder, mixing until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cookie Bars:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a light golden brown. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Make the Frosting:
While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring gel and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Frost and Decorate:
Once the cookie bars have cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top. Add sprinkles for a festive touch, then cut the bars into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250