Sugar Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.6
Sugar Cookie Bars
Description
These Sugar Cookie Bars are prepared by creaming room temperature butter with sugar until fluffy, then adding eggs one at a time alongside vanilla and almond extracts. The dry ingredients—flour, salt, baking powder—are mixed separately then combined gently. The dough is spread evenly on a greased or parchment-lined 13x18 inch baking sheet and baked at 375°F until lightly golden and passing the toothpick test, even if they appear underdone at first glance. After cooling completely, the bars are topped with a cream cheese frosting made by blending butter and cream cheese until smooth, then adding vanilla, almond extract, salt, and powdered sugar until spreadable.
The frosted bars are easy to cut into squares and serve. They provide a tender and sweet treat with the creamy texture of the frosting balancing the sturdy but soft base. The almond extract is a subtle addition that enriches the flavor without overpowering.
These bars are suitable for parties, snacks, or casual desserts and benefit from thorough cooling before frosting and serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon optional, zest
Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract amount is implied
- 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract amount is implied
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Food Coloring if desired
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder and stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased baking sheet or parchment lined sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan). Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean (they won't look done so do the toothpick test). Cool completely and frost.
For the frosting:
- Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk if needed. Spread over cooled cookie bars.
Notes
- This recipe originates from BreeAnn Fankhauser.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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