Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about biting into a perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth Sugar Cookie Bar. Imagine all the nostalgia of your favorite frosted holiday sugar cookies—minus the cookie-cutting fuss and with even more fluffy vanilla frosting on every bite. Sugar Cookie Bars take everything we love about classic sugar cookies and make them easier, more celebratory, and totally irresistible for parties, picnics, or just a spontaneous weeknight treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by their showstopping appearance: Sugar Cookie Bars come together with simple kitchen staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature soft, chewy crumb, sweet vanilla aroma, and creamy, swoon-worthy frosting.

• Unsalted butter (softened): This gives the bars their rich flavor and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: The backbone of classic sugar cookies—crucial for sweetness and a light, crisp edge.
• Egg: Adds subtle chewiness and keeps every bar perfectly moist.
• Vanilla extract: Makes the bars taste like a bakery classic with real vanilla aroma in every bite.
• Almond extract (optional): Just a splash elevates the flavor with a wonderful, subtle nutty note.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the bars, keeping them soft but sturdy.
• Baking powder: Ensures gentle lift for pillowy, cake-like softness.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• For the frosting — Unsalted butter (softened): The key to a creamy, fluffy frosting that spreads easily.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the frosting its smooth, classic texture.
• Milk: Thins the frosting just the right amount for a perfect swirl.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with a hint of dreamy vanilla flavor.
• Food coloring & sprinkles (optional): Bring a festive touch to every batch—customize them for any occasion.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your 9×13-inch baking pan. Either grease it generously or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting later—parchment makes removing the finished bars a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a big mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and a little fluffy. This process is where the magic starts, and it will help give your Sugar Cookie Bars their signature soft bite.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract, along with the almond extract if you’re using it. Mix on medium speed until everything is beautifully combined and smells like vanilla heaven.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your leavening gets distributed evenly for an even bake and a wonderfully soft texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low or by hand, just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop when everything is just combined so your bars stay tender.

Step 6: Press and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing gently with your fingers or a spatula to reach every corner. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges look slightly golden and the center is set but not overdone. Let your pan cool completely before you frost!

Step 7: Make and Spread the Frosting

Once the bars are cool, whip up your frosting by beating together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if you want a pop of color, then spread an even layer all over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles for that perfect bakery finish, then slice into squares and get ready to wow everyone.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

The classic finish is a generous layer of frosting crowned with a joyful shower of sprinkles. Go seasonal with colored sugars or try edible glitter for extra sparkle—it’s a playful, eye-catching touch that makes Sugar Cookie Bars instantly party-ready.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and indulgent, so serve them with a glass of cold milk for old-school comfort. For a grown-up party, try coffee or a robust black tea; fresh berries on the side balance the sweetness and add a pop of color to dessert plates.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Sugar Cookie Bars into fun shapes with a sharp knife or cookie cutters (hearts, stars, or diamonds) for special occasions. For gifting, layer squares in colorful bakery boxes with parchment between each layer and tie with a festive ribbon—these bars travel beautifully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars will remain soft and the frosting will stay creamy, making them just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stock up or prep ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted or frosted bars. Wrap bars tightly in plastic and then foil, or place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Sprinkles may bleed if frozen, so sprinkle after thawing if you want perfect color.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Sugar Cookie Bars if you enjoy them at room temperature, but you can zap a bare (unfrosted) bar for 5–7 seconds in the microwave to bring back a fresh-out-of-the-oven softness. Avoid reheating frosted bars as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

Can I make Sugar Cookie Bars without almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract adds a subtle bakery-style note, but the bars are still deliciously classic with just vanilla. Simply leave it out if you prefer or if there are any allergies.

How do I know when the bars are baked through?

Watch for lightly golden edges and a set (but not dry) center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—don’t wait for it to look totally dry, or you might overbake and lose that soft, chewy bite.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly but following the recipe closely otherwise should yield wonderfully soft Sugar Cookie Bars.

Can I double this recipe?

You sure can—just use a larger rimmed sheet pan and keep an eye on baking time, as the bars may bake a bit faster. Doubling is perfect for bake sales or big parties.

What’s the best way to color the frosting?

Gel food coloring is your best bet for vivid, festive colors without thinning out the frosting. Add a little at a time and mix thoroughly until you reach your shade—it’s such a fun way to match these bars to any celebration.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about baking a pan of Sugar Cookie Bars—every slice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser brimming with nostalgia and festive flavor. If you’re craving a little sweetness or need a treat to share, I truly hope you’ll give these a try and make them part of your favorite moments, too!

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