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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

These Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, baked to a perfect soft and chewy texture in a convenient bar form. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and optional sprinkles, they make a sweet treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Frosting

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese and continue beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick cookie dough batter forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Bake the Cookie Bars: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the top turns a light golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: While the cookie bars cool, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel in a medium bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  6. Frost and Serve: Once the cookie bars have cooled sufficiently, spread the frosting generously over the top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Cut into 16 square bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the bars tender and chewy.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Adjust frosting consistency to your preference for spreading or piping.
  • Sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Sugar cookie bars, sugar cookies, cookie bars recipe, easy dessert, vanilla frosting, soft cookie bars

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