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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4 from 72 reviews

Delight in these classic Sugar Cookie Bars featuring a buttery, soft base with a creamy vanilla almond frosting, perfect for parties or a sweet treat anytime. Easy to prepare and decorated with optional sprinkles, these bars bake up golden and soft with a rich, smooth frosting to top it off.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Base

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all purpose flour (fluffed)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 lb powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tablespoons milk
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
  3. Add egg and extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula to incorporate all ingredients evenly, and mix again briefly.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. The dough may not look like a traditional dough immediately, but it should hold together when pressed.
  5. Spread dough in pan and bake: Evenly spread and press the dough into the prepared baking dish. Bake the cookie base for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
  6. Prepare frosting: In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to blend 1/2 cup softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  7. Adjust frosting consistency: Add 3 tablespoons of milk to the frosting and mix well. If needed, add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
  8. Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate with sprinkles if desired to add a colorful finishing touch.
  9. Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade sugar cookie bars!

Notes

  • Fluff the flour before measuring to avoid packing and ensure accurate measurement.
  • Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Ensure cookie bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Adjust milk in frosting carefully to achieve the preferred consistency; thicker for spreading, thinner for drizzling.
  • Optional sprinkles add a festive touch, but can be omitted if desired.

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