Sugar Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.4
-
Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 55 mins
-
Servings
24 bars
-
Calories
270 kcal
-
Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
-
Cuisine
American
Sugar Cookie Bars
Description
The Sugar Cookie Bars recipe starts with a creamed mixture of softened butter and granulated sugar, to which egg, vanilla, and almond extract are added, contributing to the flavor profile. The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, which create a firm but tender texture once baked. The batter, when pressed evenly into a lined 9x13 pan, bakes until the edges turn golden brown. After cooling, the bars are covered with a vanilla frosting made from softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, thinned to the desired consistency with milk. The frosting softens the texture experience by adding a sweet, creamy layer that complements the slightly dense cookie base. Sprinkles add a decorative touch and a mild texture contrast.
This recipe is suitable for those looking for a traditional sugar cookie flavor in an easy-to-serve format without shaping individual cookies. It is well suited for casual or festive occasions where bars can be sliced and quickly served.
Note that properly fluffing the flour before measuring is critical to achieving the right dough consistency and final texture—too much flour results in a stiffer bar. Following this will help ensure tender, not dry or heavy bars.
Ingredients
for the cookie bars-
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour fluffed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
for the frosting-
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles if desired for decoration
Instructions
Sugar Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in egg, vanilla and almond extract and whip until fluffy. Scrape the sides and stir again briefly. Stir in remaining dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. It won't come together as a dough initially, but if you grab a handful, it should hold its shape.
- Spread dough into prepared pan and press down evenly. Bake 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.
Frosting
- Stir all ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. Start by adding 3 tablespoons milk and work up from there until frosting is the desired consistency.
- Spread over cooled cookie bars and add sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Fluff and spoon the flour into the measuring cup before leveling to avoid adding extra flour that makes the dough stiff.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 270 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 270kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 40mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 365IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
