Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the chewy goodness of a cookie with the convenience of a bar, this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert. Imagine buttery, soft sugar cookie bars layered with a luscious vanilla frosting and a sprinkle of colorful toppings to brighten every bite. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying a sweet moment anytime, this recipe captures the essence of classic sugar cookies with a wonderfully easy twist that anyone can master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and ensures those Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time. Each component plays a crucial role—from the richness of the butter to the warm hint of almond extract, everything harmonizes for an irresistible texture and flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Softened butter adds creamy richness and helps create that tender crumb.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and a slight crisp edge on the bars.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and subtle caramel undertones for depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, aromatic sugar cookie base.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Just a touch brings a delightful nuance that makes these bars stand out.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Binds the dough and contributes to the soft, chewy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, delivering structure and classic sugar cookie chewiness.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Used for the frosting, adding smooth richness.
• 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweet and silky, perfect for creating a luscious frosting layer.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve a spreadable frosting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting with its familiar, comforting flavor.
• Sprinkles (optional): For that festive pop of color and a little extra fun on top!

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures the bars will lift out effortlessly after baking, keeping their perfect shape intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This creates the foundation of that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Extracts, Eggs, and Leavening

Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the eggs, baking soda, and kosher salt. Each adds a layer of flavor or helps the bars rise just right for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour in increments, gently beating after each addition until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Carefully press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it reaches all corners. This will form the base for your delectable sugar cookie bars.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are beautifully golden. Once baked, set them aside to cool completely, which helps the bars firm up for frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the frosting is perfectly spreadable and velvety.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Gently lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Spread the frosting generously over the top and finish off with colorful sprinkles, if desired, to add a cheerful touch and a hint of crunch.

Step 9: Slice Into Bars

Finally, cut the frosted cookie slab into 24 delightful individual bars. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich cookie and creamy frosting that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the classic go-to for a pop of color and playful vibe, but a light dusting of finely chopped nuts or edible glitter can also elevate presentation and add an intriguing texture contrast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal touches like crushed peppermint during the holidays!

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, turning your snack time into a comforting ritual. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to complement their buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, arrange the bars on a decorative platter layered with doilies, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon. You can also customize the frosting colors to match themes or occasions, making these sugar cookie bars delightfully festive and personal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can extend freshness but may slightly firm the frosting layer.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. After thawing, prepare fresh frosting to keep things delightful and fresh-tasting or freeze the frosted bars individually for quick treats later.

Reheating

Warm bars gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy a soft, freshly-baked feel. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the bars or melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have any?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the almond extract or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract to keep the flavor familiar and sweet. The cookie bars will still taste amazing!

What if I want these bars gluten-free?

Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum can work well. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking and be mindful the texture might vary slightly but remain delicious.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely, but salted butter offers convenience with a subtle difference in taste.

How long do these Sugar Cookie Bars last once frosted?

Frosted sugar cookie bars keep best for about 3 days at room temperature if stored properly. Beyond that, the frosting may start to lose its texture, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerate to extend their life.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts is a tasty way to customize this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Just fold them into the dough gently before pressing it into the pan to keep the even bake and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and joyful about whipping up a batch of these Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, whether you’re making them for a crowd or indulging yourself. Their tender texture, buttery flavor, and creamy frosting make them a standout in any dessert lineup. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorites, ready to brighten any occasion with every sweet, satisfying bite.

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