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–+ servings
Delicious homemade Sugar Cookie Bars served on a plate

Sugar Cookie Bars

Deliciously soft and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 pieces
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Bars

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened Cut into small pieces if slightly cold.
  • 3/4 cup sugar Granulated sugar.
  • 1 whole egg Room temperature.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract Optional; can be substituted with more vanilla.
  • 3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened Adds tenderness.
  • 1 tsp baking powder Leavening agent.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour All-purpose flour.

For the Frosting

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened Main base for frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Makes the frosting sweet.
  • 2 Tbsp milk Adjust thickness of frosting.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Flavoring for frosting.
  • to taste none pink food coloring gel Optional for decoration.
  • to taste none sprinkles Optional for decoration.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over two sides for easy lifting.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until combined, beating just until smooth.
  • Gradually add flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough batter forms. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.

Baking

  • Spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is light golden brown. Let cool in the pan.

Frosting

  • For the frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
  • Once the cookie bars are cooled, spread the frosting on top, add sprinkles if desired, and cut into 16 squares.

Notes

For a different flavor, try using browned butter or substituting with lemon juice and zest for a lemon twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 80mgSugar: 12g
Keyword easy dessert, Family Treat, Frosted Bars, Sugar Cookie Bars, Weeknight Baking
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