Sugar Cookie Bars are thick, soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet. They have all the same delightful flavors of a classic sugar cookie, just transformed into a convenient bar form! Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a cozy night in, these bars can be topped with frosting and sprinkles to create a stunning dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll be enjoying these bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates a rich flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bars with a variety of toppings like sprinkles or colored frosting for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at gatherings or as a sweet treat for friends.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and decorating these fun treats!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Sugar Cookie Bars, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- 9 x 9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining your ingredients effectively without making a mess.
- Hand or stand mixer: A mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for that fluffy texture.
- Spatula: Great for spreading the cookie dough evenly in the pan and scraping down the sides of mixing bowls.
Ingredients
To make delicious Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 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
For the 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)
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9 x 9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer:
1. Beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly add in:
1. The flour and baking powder to form a thick cookie dough batter.
2. Be cautious not to overmix to maintain a soft texture.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Spread the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan:
1. Use a spatula to evenly distribute it.
2. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until set with a light golden brown top.
3. Let it cool for a few minutes before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While your bars cool:
1. In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel if desired.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once cooled:
1. Spread frosting generously on top of the cookie bars.
2. Add sprinkles on top before cutting into 16 square bars.
3. Enjoy your delightful Sugar Cookie Bars!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars
Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet snack, these bars can be served in fun and creative manners.
For Parties
- Cut into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for holidays or celebrations.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair warm sugar cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
With Beverages
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Milk Dipping Station: Set up a milk station with flavored options like chocolate or strawberry for dipping.
Toppings & Add-ons
- Drizzle Extra Frosting: Add an extra drizzle of frosting on top for added sweetness.
- Sprinkle Variety: Offer different types of sprinkles to customize each serving.
How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
To achieve the best Sugar Cookie Bars, follow these essential tips to ensure they turn out soft and delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Check Oven Temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial; consider using an oven thermometer.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Bars
Sugar Cookie Bars can be complemented with several side dishes that enhance their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and an elegant touch.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of sugar cookie bars in melted chocolate for an exciting flavor combination.
- Nut Mix: A mix of nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the bars.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit alongside sugar cookie bars for a delightful dessert option.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone that pair well with sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the perfect Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to less-than-ideal results.
- Skipping the creaming step: Properly beating the butter and sugar together is crucial for light and fluffy bars. Take your time and blend them well until airy.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined to maintain softness.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring cups and spoons. This ensures consistent results every time.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your bars. Remove them from the oven when they’re lightly golden for the best texture.
- Forgetting to let cool before frosting: Applying frosting on hot bars can cause it to melt. Allow them to cool completely for a neat finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Sugar Cookie Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Place in a freezer-safe container if preferred.
Reheating Sugar Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid for a few minutes to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Sugar Cookie Bars are done?
The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use different flavors in my Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavor variations.
What type of frosting works best for Sugar Cookie Bars?
Cream cheese frosting adds great flavor, but you can also use buttercream or even a simple glaze depending on your preference.
Can I make these Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I customize my Sugar Cookie Bars?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits into the batter or change the color of your frosting with different food coloring!
Final Thoughts
Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different flavors and toppings to suit any occasion. Whether for parties, holidays, or just because, these sweet treats are sure to please everyone!
Sugar Cookie Bars
Indulge in the delightful world of Sugar Cookie Bars, where classic flavors meet modern convenience. These thick, soft, and chewy bars capture the essence of traditional sugar cookies, transformed into easy-to-serve squares that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special moment, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles are sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a treat that is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your tastes. Get ready to share these sweet delights with friends and family!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- For Frosting: 1/4 cup butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate flour and baking powder until you form a thick dough.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow cooling before preparing the frosting by mixing softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost cooled bars generously and top with sprinkles before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (44g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg