There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, a scent that instantly transports you back to childhood memories. For me, that memory is often tied to my grandmother’s kitchen, a place of warmth, flour-dusted counters, and endless love. While her classic rolled sugar cookies were legendary, a few years ago, I discovered a brilliant shortcut that captured all that nostalgic flavor with half the fuss: Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars aren't just a recipe; they're a chapter in my evolving baking story, a delicious innovation that bridges tradition with modern convenience. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering – the collective gasp of delight, the rapid disappearance from the platter, and the unanimous plea for the recipe. They have since become a staple for every holiday, birthday, and 'just because' moment. It’s that perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie base and creamy, sweet frosting that makes them utterly irresistible. And the best part? No chilling dough, no rolling, and no endless rounds of cutting out shapes. Just press, bake, and frost your way to cookie heaven!

Why These Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try for Every Baker

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your baking journey, these delicious cookie bars are guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Here’s why they stand out:

• Effortless Elegance: Forget the intricate rolling and cutting of traditional sugar cookies. These bars come together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and saving you precious time without compromising on flavor or presentation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: From school potlucks to festive holiday gatherings, everyone adores the classic taste of sugar cookies. This bar format makes them incredibly easy to share and serve, ensuring smiles all around.
• Infinitely Customizable: The soft, tender base and creamy frosting are a blank canvas for your creativity. Decorate with sprinkles for any occasion, experiment with different frosting flavors, or add zest for a hint of citrus. The possibilities for these delightful treats are endless!
• Speedy Satisfaction: With minimal prep and a straightforward baking process, you can have a batch of these glorious bars ready from start to finish much faster than traditional cookies, making them ideal for last-minute treats.

Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

While the beauty of these soft, chewy bars lies in their simplicity, a few key ingredients deserve special attention to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Understanding their role can make all the difference:

Unsalted Butter: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture

Always opt for unsalted butter when baking, as it gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. Make sure your butter is at room temperature – truly softened, but not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, incorporating air that creates that desirable light and fluffy texture in your cookie base. If your butter is too cold, it won't cream well; too warm, and the bars might spread too much and become greasy.

All-Purpose Flour: The Structure Builder

Standard all-purpose flour is your best friend here. While it might seem straightforward, proper measurement is crucial. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag. Scooping can compact the flour, leading to an excess amount, which can result in dense, dry cookie bars. The flour provides the necessary structure, holding everything together while allowing for that characteristic chewy, yet tender, bite.

Vanilla Extract: The Aroma and Flavor Enhancer

Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla extract! It’s not just a subtle background note; vanilla truly elevates the overall flavor profile of your **Sugar Cookie Bars**, adding warmth and depth. If you have it, consider using pure vanilla extract over imitation for a richer, more authentic taste. A splash of almond extract can also be a delightful addition, complementing the vanilla beautifully and giving your dessert a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Irresistible Sugar Cookie Bars

Get ready to create a batch of the most delightful cookie bars you’ve ever tasted! Follow these steps closely, and don’t forget the pro tips for a flawless finish.

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your dessert won't stick.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This creaming process is vital for the texture of these amazing bars.
• Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
• Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
• Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan. A rubber spatula or your lightly floured hands can help with this. Make sure the dough is spread right to the edges for uniform thickness.
• Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake, as you want these **Sugar Cookie Bars** to remain soft and chewy.
• Step 7: Let the baked goods cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial; if you frost them while warm, the frosting will melt.

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• Step 8: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and shortening (if using, for extra stability) until smooth.
• Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increasing speed to medium.
• Step 10: Beat in the vanilla extract and milk (or cream), one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, add more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect creamy topping for your cookie bars.
• Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with your favorite sprinkles, if desired, to make your **Sugar Cookie Bars** extra festive!
• Step 12: Slice into squares and serve. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Sugar Cookie Bars

The beauty of these versatile **Sugar Cookie Bars** is how easily they can be adapted for any season, celebration, or craving. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:

Frosting Fantasies:

• Lemon Zest Frosting: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to your buttercream for a bright, tangy twist.
• Almond Bliss: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract in both the cookie base and the frosting for a delicate, nutty flavor. This pairs wonderfully with a dusting of sliced almonds on top.
• Chocolate Swirl: Melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and swirl into a portion of the frosting, or drizzle over the top of the frosted treats.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangier, richer frosting, try a classic cream cheese frosting. Reduce the butter slightly and add 4 oz softened cream cheese to the frosting recipe.

Seasonal Sprinkles & Toppings:

Customize your bars for any holiday! Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or patriotic colors for the Fourth of July. Beyond sprinkles, consider:

• Mini chocolate chips
• Toffee bits
• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
• Shredded coconut
• Edible glitter for a touch of glam.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookie bars are fantastic on their own, but they also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter. Serve them:

• Alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• As part of a holiday cookie spread with other favorites like The Ultimate Chewy Gingerbread Cookies for a Magical Holiday Season.
• Packed into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• As a thoughtful gift for neighbors or friends, beautifully arranged in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, I often use a set of Basics Glass Food Storage containers, which keep them perfectly moist and delicious.

No matter how you choose to personalize or serve them, these **Sugar Cookie Bars** are sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Information

Conclusion

And there you have it – the ultimate guide to creating perfect **Sugar Cookie Bars** that are guaranteed to bring joy to any occasion. This recipe takes the beloved flavor of classic sugar cookies and transforms it into a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar format that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a casual get-together, or just because you need a little something sweet, these bars are your new go-to. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and endlessly customizable, they embody everything wonderful about homemade treats. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the pure bliss of these fantastic **Sugar Cookie Bars**. Happy baking!

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Classic Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream

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These easy Sugar Cookie Bars are thick, soft, and topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting, making them the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion without the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies. They're a fantastic alternative to traditional Christmas sugar cookies for quicker preparation.

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
• Yield: 24 bars

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening (optional, for stability)
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan. Use a rubber spatula or lightly floured hands to ensure uniform thickness.
Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is a crucial step to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 8: For the frosting, in a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and shortening (if using) until smooth.
Step 9: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increasing speed to medium.
Step 10: Beat in the vanilla extract and milk (or cream), one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with your favorite sprinkles, if desired.
Step 12: Slice into squares and serve. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your butter is at true room temperature. Do not overbake the bars to keep them soft and chewy. Let them cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inches)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg