If you’ve ever craved a sweet, buttery treat that perfectly blends the nostalgia of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are unbelievably soft and tender, with just the right touch of creamy frosting that’s customizable and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or a special occasion, this recipe manages to hit that perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and that warm homemade feeling we all adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the essence of what makes the Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe truly special. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor — from the rich butter to the hints of vanilla and almond extracts, plus that soft cream cheese for an extra moist bite.
- Butter (1/2 cup): Provides richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that golden crust.
- Egg (1 whole): Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth of flavor, a classic in sugar cookies.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp): Gives a subtle but lovely twist that elevates the taste.
- Cream cheese (3 Tbsp, softened): Keeps the bars moist and adds a slight tangy richness.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise just enough to stay light and fluffy.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base of the dough, giving structure to your bars.
- Butter for frosting (1/4 cup, softened): Creates a creamy, spreadable frosting.
- Powdered sugar for frosting (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- Milk for frosting (2 Tbsp): Makes the frosting smooth and easy to spread.
- Vanilla extract for frosting (1/2 tsp): Complements the frosting with its familiar comforting flavor.
- Pink food coloring gel (optional): Adds a fun, festive pop of color.
- Sprinkles (optional): Brings a playful touch and extra texture on top.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy removal later. This setup ensures even baking and easy cleanup, which we all appreciate!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and light. This step is key as it incorporates air, giving your bars a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese until everything is smooth and well combined. The cream cheese adds a subtle richness that makes these bars stand out from your average sugar cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour and baking powder to your wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your bars soft and cakey rather than tough.
Step 5: Bake the Dough
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 6: Make and Spread the Frosting
For the frosting, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a creamy, smooth consistency. Add pink food coloring if you like to make these bars extra festive. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then add sprinkles right after for that perfect finishing touch before slicing.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic sprinkles are a fun way to dress up these Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, you can also try crushed nuts, edible glitter, or even small fresh fruit pieces like raspberries for a fresh burst of flavor and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a warm chai tea latte. Their sweet simplicity balances out richer or more robust beverages beautifully, making snack time feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve your sugar cookie bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or arrange them in a tiered dessert tray for parties. Wrapping each square in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes for delightful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these sugar cookie bars fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration is a good option, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying to regain that soft texture.
Freezing
Both the baked and frosted bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like your bars a little warm, pop a piece in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat-up enhances the softness and slightly melts the frosting, making every bite decadently comforting.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk in the frosting?
Absolutely! Almond milk works great in the frosting and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the almond extract in the bars beautifully.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
You can omit the cream cheese, but it does add moistness and a slight tang. If skipping it, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to keep the texture soft.
How thick should I spread the frosting?
A nice, even layer about 1/4 inch thick allows for the perfect balance between the buttery cookie and sweet, creamy frosting without overwhelming the bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.
How long do these Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and joy packed into this Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade and comforting, yet is fast enough to whip up whenever your sweet tooth calls. So go ahead and give it a try — these bars are the kind of treat that turns ordinary days into something to celebrate!
Print
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, baked into a chewy, soft bar form that’s perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as an everyday treat. Featuring a delicious cream cheese-infused dough with a buttery, creamy vanilla frosting topped with colorful sprinkles, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese; continue to mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Mix slowly until the dough just comes together, taking care not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden, indicating the bars are cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If desired, add pink food coloring gel to tint the frosting and mix well.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate with sprinkles if using, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a suitable milk alternative in the frosting.
- Almond extract can be omitted or replaced with additional vanilla extract if you prefer.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These cookie bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
