Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie that is perfect for any occasion. I remember baking these bars with my family during the holidays, where the warm scent of vanilla and almond filled our home. They are soft, chewy, and frosted to perfection—ideal for a birthday party, a picnic, or even as a simple dessert to brighten up a weeknight dinner. Each bite is a treat, making them a beloved favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

These sugar cookie bars are not just a sweet treat; they come together quickly and require minimal effort, making them an excellent choice for busy bakers. The blend of vanilla and almond extracts gives them a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from standard cookies. Plus, the vibrant frosting and sparkly sprinkles make them visually appealing, making them a guaranteed hit at gatherings.

"These sugar cookie bars are a game-changer! Soft, chewy, and so easy to make. My kids love them, and they’re gone in seconds!" – Happy Baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making sugar cookie bars is a breeze! Here’s a quick overview of how to prepare this delightful dessert:

1. Start by preheating your oven.
2. Prepare your baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Mix your ingredients to create a fluffy dough.
4. Bake until golden brown and let them cool.
5. Whip up a creamy frosting while the bars cool down.
6. Frost, sprinkle, slice, and enjoy!

Now, let’s dive into the specific details to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up these scrumptious sugar cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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
• 1/4 cup butter (softened for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

You can easily substitute almond extract with more vanilla or another flavor extract if you’re in a pinch!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set and the top is a light golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes.
7. While cooling, make the frosting. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If desired, add pink food coloring.
8. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
9. Cut into 16 square bars and enjoy!

Tips for Serving

When it comes to serving sugar cookie bars, presentation matters! You can cut them into fun shapes for birthdays or serve them on a platter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat. They’re perfect alongside a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re feeling creative, drizzle extra frosting or melted chocolate over the top for a gourmet touch.

Storage Tips

To keep your sugar cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for about three days or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully! Just cut them into squares, wrap them well, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Pro Chef Tips

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect creamy texture.
• Don’t skip the cream cheese; it adds a delightful richness to the cookie bars.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting before serving.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get inventive! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even switch up the extracts to lemon or orange for a citrusy take. Consider topping with different colored sprinkles according to the season—red and green for Christmas or pastels for Easter. The options are limitless!

Your Questions Answered

How long do these sugar cookie bars take to prepare?

The total time for preparation and baking is around 35-40 minutes, making it a quick treat for any occasion.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

What should I do if my frosting is too thick?

If your frosting ends up too thick, simply add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

How can I enhance the flavor of the cookie bars?

Consider adding a pinch of salt or a touch of lemon zest to the dough; both will elevate the overall flavor profile.

Sugar Cookie Bars

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful sugar cookie bars with a fluffy dough and creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/4 cup butter (softened for frosting)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set and the top is a light golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes.
7. While cooling, make the frosting. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If desired, add pink food coloring.
8. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
9. Cut into 16 square bars and enjoy!

Notes

For a creative twist, add chocolate chips or nuts, or switch up the extracts to lemon or orange for a citrusy take.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, dessert, easy recipe