Sugar Cookie Bars
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
24 servings
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Calories
278 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Sugar Cookie Bars
Description
This Sugar Cookie Bars recipe starts with a rich dough made from softened unsalted butter and cream cheese beaten with granulated sugar. Eggs and vanilla extract add moisture and flavor, while a flour mixture with baking powder and salt creates a tender crumb once baked. The batter spreads evenly and bakes until the center sets and edges turn a light golden color. Once cooled, it is topped with a creamy frosting that blends butter and cream cheese, with powdered sugar and cornstarch added to help the frosting form a delicate crust on top.
The frosting’s cream cheese base offers a subtle tang that balances the bars' sweetness. The recipe also notes an alternative buttercream frosting without cream cheese for a sweeter option. These bars have a soft texture and hold their shape well, making them easy to cut and serve.
Decorations like sprinkles add a festive touch for parties or holidays. The bars store well and can be prepared ahead, making them convenient for gatherings or quick sweet fixes.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup butter softened, unsalted
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg large
- 1 egg large, yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
Frosting
- 10 Tablespoons butter softened, unsalted
- 2 oz cream cheese softened (see note if you would like a buttercream frosting instead)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch see note
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- Sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
Cookie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 13x9” (33x23cm) baking pan with baking spray or butter. Set aside.
- Combine butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a large bowl and use an electric mixer (or a stand mixer) to beat until creamy and well-combined.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir until completely combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- With mixer on low-speed, gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture until completely combined.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan and bake on 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes or until center is set and edges are beginning to turn light golden brown. Allow to cool completely before covering with frosting.
Frosting
- Combine butter and cream cheese and beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth and creamy.
- With mixer on low-speed, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined, then stir in cornstarch.
- Add vanilla extract and salt and stir until combined.
- Spread frosting evenly over completely cooled cookie bars and add sprinkles on top if desired. Slice and serve. Note that frosting will crust slightly on top but will not solidify all the way through.
Notes
- The cream cheese frosting provides a softer, less sweet finish than traditional buttercream.
- Cornstarch helps the frosting develop a thin crust while staying soft underneath.
- You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a buttercream by omitting cream cheese and using additional butter.
- Food coloring can be added to the frosting for decorative effects.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 278 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 278kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 139mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 31mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 476IU | 10% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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