Sugar Cookie Bars

Growing up, I always looked forward to the days when my mom would whip up a batch of her famous Sugar Cookie Bars. The smell of baking butter and sugar wafting through the house was like a warm hug. It was the perfect after-school treat, and now, I cherish the moments spent making these bars with my own children. They’re soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible, especially when topped with a colorful sprinkle of joy. You just can’t go wrong with a batch of Sugar Cookie Bars!

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars

The ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars come together beautifully to create a soft, sweet treat that everyone will adore. Each component plays a crucial role in the final product. The butter provides richness, while the sugar adds sweetness and a delicate texture. The flour is the backbone of the bars, ensuring they hold their shape, and the eggs offer moisture and binding.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened – This creamy ingredient gives the bars their rich flavor and delightful texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key, and this is where it comes from!
• 1 large egg – Binds everything together, adding moisture and richness.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream – This adds a subtle tanginess and helps keep the bars moist.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for flavor, making these bars taste like home.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A hint of almond adds depth to the sweetness.
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bars, giving them structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise a bit, creating a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar – Essential for the creamy frosting that tops these bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Used again to flavor the frosting.
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract – A touch for the frosting, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half – To achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• 1/4 cup sprinkles – The finishing touch that makes these bars fun and festive!

Instructions for Sugar Cookie Bars

The process of making Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the steps to create your own heavenly batch!

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. This step is crucial for the perfect bake. While the oven warms up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease it. This will make removing the bars much easier once they’re baked.

2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes. The texture should be airy, indicating that air has been incorporated.

3. Add the egg, sour cream, and both extracts to the bowl. At this point, it’s normal for the mixture to look curdled. Don’t worry; it will come together in the next step!

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. With your mixer on low, gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. You don’t want to overmix—just blend until the flour is no longer visible.

5. Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan. It should be smooth and even.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. The bars will look slightly undercooked when you take them out, but they’ll continue cooking while cooling. Trust me, this will ensure they stay soft!

7. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan. Meanwhile, let’s prepare the frosting: beat together the butter and powdered sugar until well mixed. Add the extracts and milk, beating until smooth and creamy.

8. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Feel free to make it as thick or thin as you like.

9. Finally, sprinkle your sprinkles on top, creating a fun, colorful finish. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some tips to make your Sugar Cookie Bars even better:

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in some mini chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Frosting Options: You can experiment with different frostings—cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would be divine!
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these bars with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert.

Accompaniments for Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving Sugar Cookie Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas:

• Perfect Pairing: Serve these bars alongside a rich glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of tea for a comforting experience.
• Ideal for Parties: They make a fantastic addition to dessert tables for parties, birthdays, or potlucks, where everyone can enjoy a sweet snack.
• Occasions: These bars are perfect for holidays or festive gatherings. Decorate them with seasonal sprinkles for a holiday touch!
• Snacking: They can be a sweet after-school treat for kids or a delightful afternoon snack.
• Storage Tips: If you happen to have any leftovers, ensure they’re stored in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sugar Cookie Bars are a wonderful treat that combines nostalgic flavors with modern convenience. They’re not only easy to make but also a delightful way to share joy with friends and family. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the happiness it brings. You won’t regret bringing a batch of these sweet bars to your next gathering!

Sugar Cookie Bars

The ultimate sweet treat, Sugar Cookie Bars are creamy, soft, and topped with delightful frosting. Perfect for sharing and celebrating, these bars are a must for any gathering. Make them tonight and indulge in pure bliss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 20 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan
• Electric Mixer

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. This step is crucial for the perfect bake. While the oven warms up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease it. This will make removing the bars much easier once they're baked.
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take around 2 minutes. The texture should be airy, indicating that air has been incorporated.
• Add the egg, sour cream, and both extracts to the bowl. At this point, it's normal for the mixture to look curdled. Don’t worry; it will come together in the next step!
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. With your mixer on low, gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. You don’t want to overmix—just blend until the flour is no longer visible.
• Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan. It should be smooth and even.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. The bars will look slightly undercooked when you take them out, but they'll continue cooking while cooling. Trust me, this will ensure they stay soft!
• Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan. Meanwhile, let's prepare the frosting: beat together the butter and powdered sugar until well mixed. Add the extracts and milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
• Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Feel free to make it as thick or thin as you like.
• Finally, sprinkle your sprinkles on top, creating a fun, colorful finish. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
• Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in some mini chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Frosting Options: You can experiment with different frostings—cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache would be divine!
• Serving Suggestion: Serve these bars with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert.

Keyword dessert bars, Easy Baking Recipes, Easy Cookie Recipe, Sugar Cookie Bars

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.