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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

Deliciously soft and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a smooth homemade buttercream frosting. These bars are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and can be customized with colorful gel icing and sprinkles for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

  • 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour (measured properly)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp (252g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (230g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp cream or water
  • Gel icing color (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×9 square baking pan with non-stick baking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light in color and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg until fully incorporated, then add vanilla extract and combine thoroughly.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to bring the dough together into a cohesive ball without overmixing.
  6. Press Dough in Pan and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 17-23 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan for 2-3 hours; they will firm up as they cool.
  8. Make Buttercream Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter in a mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of cream or water and mix well. Add additional cream or water, if needed, to reach spreading consistency.
  9. Add Color and Decorate: If desired, tint the buttercream with gel icing colors and spread evenly over the cooled cookie base. Top with sprinkles if using.
  10. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the cookie bars from the pan. Cut into slices and serve. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 4-5 days.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • Customize with gel colors and sprinkles to match any theme or occasion.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to 5 days.

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, cookie bars, buttercream frosting, easy dessert, homemade cookies, soft cookie bars, classic sugar cookie

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/