Description
These delightful Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic buttery flavor of sugar cookies with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfectly soft yet sturdy, these bars are easy to make and ideal for holidays, parties, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 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
Frosting
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring gel (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix which can toughen the dough.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are set and the top turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookie base cools, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring gel in a medium bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive touch. Cut into 16 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the bars tender.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check the bars after 20 minutes.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Frosting consistency can be adjusted by varying the milk and powdered sugar quantities.
- Sprinkles add a colorful and fun decoration, especially for celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Bars, sugar cookie recipe, cookie bars, frosted sugar cookie, easy dessert, holiday treats, cream cheese frosting
