Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, you’ve come to the right place! These Sugar Cookie Bars are a family favorite in my home. They combine all the classic flavors we love about sugar cookies but in an easy-to-make bar form. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re fun to decorate with frosting and sprinkles!

What makes these Sugar Cookie Bars truly special is their thick, soft, and chewy texture. You can enjoy them plain or dressed up with colorful frosting—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious bars without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sugar cookies! These bars are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later—great for unexpected guests!
• Customizable Fun: Get creative with toppings and colors to match any celebration or holiday theme.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these delightful Sugar Cookie Bars. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already!

For the Cookie Bars

• 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Use Different Extracts: Swap out almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an inclusive treat.
• Dress It Up: Try different frosting colors and toppings like nuts or coconut flakes!

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese. Mixing well here creates a rich base full of flavor—don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, slowly add in the flour and baking powder until you have a thick cookie dough batter. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your bars soft and chewy.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Spread the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until set with a light golden top. Letting them cool slightly before frosting is key—they won’t slide off when you spread on that luscious topping!

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool, whip up some quick frosting! In another medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring gel until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed; it should be spreadable but not too runny.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, generously spread the frosting over your cookie bars. Top with fun sprinkles if you’re feeling festive! Cut them into squares and enjoy every bite of these delicious Sugar Cookie Bars!

Pro Tips for Making Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Sugar Cookie Bars is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, and cream cheese to room temperature allows them to blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and ensuring even baking.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain that soft and chewy texture. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookie bars, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They are done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the bars to cool prevents the frosting from melting into a gooey mess. This way, you’ll have beautifully frosted cookie bars that hold their shape.

• Get creative with flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding different extracts or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts! This will make your sugar cookie bars uniquely yours.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Serving Sugar Cookie Bars can be just as fun as making them! With a few simple touches, you can elevate this delightful treat for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Colorful sprinkles: Adding sprinkles not only enhances the visual appeal of your sugar cookie bars but also adds a playful crunch that everyone loves!

• Fresh fruit: Slices of strawberries or raspberries on the side provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the bars and add a touch of freshness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly and makes for a delightful dessert experience.

• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookie bars. Use seasonal fruits for an extra burst of flavor!

• Hot cocoa or milk: These classic beverages pair wonderfully with sugar cookie bars, enhancing their sweetness while providing warmth and comfort.

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea offers a lovely contrast to the sugary taste of the bars, making it an ideal afternoon treat.

Now that you have all these serving suggestions and tips in your back pocket, it’s time to gather your loved ones around and enjoy these delicious Sugar Cookie Bars together!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares before freezing for easy portioning.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If desired, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Sugar Cookie Bars!

Can I use a different type of frosting on my Sugar Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different frostings such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. Just remember to keep it sweet!

How should I store my Sugar Cookie Bars?

Store your Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is also an option!

Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars without almond extract?

Yes! If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can simply replace it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract or leave it out entirely. The cookies will still taste fabulous!

How do I prevent my Sugar Cookie Bars from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake the cookie bars; they should be light golden brown and soft when you take them out of the oven. Storing them properly in an airtight container will also help maintain their moisture.

What makes these Sugar Cookie Bars unique?

These bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a soft and chewy texture that’s easy to cut and share. Plus, the addition of cream cheese in the dough gives them a delightful richness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Sugar Cookie Bars! They are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!