Description

These quick and easy sugar cookie bars are the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of individual cookies. With a buttery, soft base and a creamy vanilla frosting, they’re a delightful treat made in under an hour and ideal for parties or sharing.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined and a soft dough forms.
Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Do not overbake for chewy bars. Let cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Frost & Decorate: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Slice & Serve: Use the parchment handles or a spatula to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For soft bars, avoid overbaking – bars continue cooking slightly as they cool.
You can easily color the frosting or add various sprinkles to match holidays or celebrations.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Bars can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 65mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 31mg