Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Sugar cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, offering a soft, chewy texture in an easy-to-cut bar form. They combine buttery richness with a sweet, creamy frosting that makes them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
5. Step 5: To prepare the frosting, beat the softened 1/4 cup butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
6. Step 6: If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring gel to the frosting and mix until evenly colored.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, add 1 tsp. lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Use almond extract sparingly; it’s potent and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
• Swap the pink food coloring for any color to match seasonal themes or parties.
• If cream cheese isn’t available, replace with an equal amount of softened butter for a different frosting texture.

Storage

Store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. Before serving refrigerated bars, let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely. The bars are flavorful and sweet enough on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

This recipe for Sugar Cookie Bars combines the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar form, perfect for easy serving and sharing. The buttery, soft cookie base is topped with a smooth, creamy icing that can be tinted with pink food coloring for a festive touch. Ideal for holidays, parties, or a sweet everyday treat.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1/2 cup butter
• 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

Icing

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sugar cookie bars.
2. Prepare Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder and all-purpose flour, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
4. Make the Icing: While the bars are cooling, prepare the icing by beating the softened 1/4 cup butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of pink food coloring gel if desired and mix until the color is uniform.
5. Ice the Bars: Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the icing evenly over the top.
6. Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the cookie bars have cooled completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.
• You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
• For a festive touch, add sprinkles or decorative sugar on top of the icing before it sets.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture in the cookie bars.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, dessert bars, iced sugar cookies, baked treats, holiday cookies