Description
These soft and chewy Sugar Cookie Bars have all the classic sugar cookie flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. Topped with a luscious buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. With no rolling or chilling required, they’re a beginner-friendly dessert that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 whole egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, creating a soft texture in the bars.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Slowly add the flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars dense instead of soft and chewy.
- Spread and bake: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker texture. If using food coloring, mix it in at this stage.
- Frost and decorate: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Change the flavors by swapping almond extract for lemon, coconut, or even maple extract.
- Make them festive by switching frosting colors and using holiday-themed sprinkles.
- For a firmer texture, bake a few extra minutes, but avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg