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
Scale
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.
