Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something buttery, soft, and utterly delicious, then these Sugar Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Think of them as the perfect marriage between a classic sugar cookie and a rich, luscious bar—baked in a pan to keep things easy and shareable. From their golden edges to the creamy pink frosting and sprinkles on top, these bars offer a beautiful balance of soft texture, sweet flavors, and that satisfying sugary bite you just can’t resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, Sugar Cookie Bars are a timeless crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. Each element plays a key role, whether adding moisture, flavor depth, or that delicate crumb you expect from a perfect sugar cookie bar.

• Butter (1/2 cup): Provides rich flavor and helps achieve a tender crumb for the cookie base.
• Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and aids in creating a soft, chewy texture.
• Egg (1 whole): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the classic sugar cookie flavor with warm notes.
• Almond extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle nutty undertone for extra complexity.
• Cream cheese (3 Tbsp; softened): Keeps the bars moist and adds a slight tanginess to balance sweetness.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Leavens the dough for a soft, pillowy texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base providing structure to your dough.
• Butter (1/4 cup; softened): For the frosting, lending creaminess and richness.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Delivers the sweet, smooth base of the frosting.
• Milk (2 Tbsp): Adjusts the frosting consistency for easy spreading.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Infuses the frosting with subtle, cozy flavor.
• Pink food coloring gel (optional): Gives the frosting a fun pop of color that feels festive.
• Sprinkles (optional): Adds a playful crunch and colorful charm to the finished bars.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—it’s a small step that makes removing your baked cookie bars a breeze and keeps them perfectly intact. Think of this as setting the stage for cookie magic to happen!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is crucial because that fluffiness will translate into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bars. Once fluffy, add the egg, vanilla, almond extracts, and softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated, making sure to scrape down the bowl sides for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, slowly add the flour and baking powder to your wet ingredients. Be gentle and avoid overmixing—the key is to combine everything just until a thick cookie dough batter forms. This ensures your Sugar Cookie Bars stay soft and don’t become tough or dry.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Spread your thick cookie dough batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is set and has taken on a light golden brown shade. You’ll notice a warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen. Let the bars cool a few minutes in the pan to set up properly before adding any frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and if you want, a few drops of pink food coloring gel to create that delightful rosy tint. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick or powdered sugar if it’s too thin—flexibility is key here to achieve the perfect spreadable frosting.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once the Sugar Cookie Bars have cooled enough, spread the frosting generously on top, letting your spatula glide smoothly over the surface. If you’re feeling festive or want to add that extra joyful crunch, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top. Then, cut into 16 squares and get ready to enjoy the delicious payoff!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

While sprinkles are the classic festive touch, you can get creative with edible glitter, crushed nuts, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate your Sugar Cookie Bars. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also introduce interesting texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

Serve your Sugar Cookie Bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk for that classic, comforting combination. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for a little indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, display these bars on a decorative tiered dessert tray or arrange them on parchment-lined wooden boards with colorful napkins for a charming rustic feel. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon makes for delightful grab-and-go gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture. If your kitchen is warm, placing them in the fridge is also fine—but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! To preserve freshness, freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, frost just before serving, and enjoy—they’ll taste freshly baked.

Reheating

If you prefer your Sugar Cookie Bars slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven. This reawakens the softness and makes the frosting just a little melty and dreamy.

FAQs

Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars without cream cheese?

Absolutely! Cream cheese adds extra moisture and tanginess, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it. Your bars might be slightly less tender but will still be delicious. Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt can be a good substitute.

How thick should I spread the cookie dough in the pan?

The dough should be spread evenly to about 1/2 inch thick in the 9×9-inch pan. This ensures even baking and the perfect soft, chewy texture for your Sugar Cookie Bars.

Can I use different extracts instead of almond extract?

Yes! If almond extract isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla or try lemon or coconut extracts for an entirely new flavor twist.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

For this particular recipe, chilling the dough isn’t required, which makes the entire process quicker and easier. The dough spreads smoothly and bakes perfectly without that extra step.

How long will these Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars should stay fresh for about three to four days at room temperature. Beyond that, you might notice a slight loss in softness, so freezing is a smart option if you want to keep them longer.

Final Thoughts

Making Sugar Cookie Bars is like creating a little slice of happiness that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Their buttery texture, combined with a creamy, sweet frosting, makes them irresistible every time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without having these bars around for those moments when you need a sweet pick-me-up. So go ahead, preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some joy into your day!

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