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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

Delightfully soft and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting and optional festive sprinkles. These bars are perfect for any occasion, combining the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a luscious frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 whole large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugar Cookie Frosting

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring gel (optional, for color)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later, and set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, continuing to beat until all ingredients are well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mix.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix slowly until a thick cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
  4. Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the top turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely for several minutes.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the 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 thickness by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  6. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top using a spatula or knife. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  7. Cut and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted cookie slab into 16 even square bars. Serve and enjoy your sweet treat!

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookie bars.
  • Cooling the bars completely before frosting helps prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a different flavor, you can substitute almond extract with lemon or omit entirely.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Sprinkles add a festive touch but are optional.
  • To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk in frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, easy cookie bars, frosted sugar bars, dessert bars, vanilla frosting, almond extract, party dessert

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/