Print

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 81 reviews

These delightful Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of a sugar cookie with the convenience of a bar form. Topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles, they are perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home. The recipe yields soft, buttery bars with a slightly crisp edge and a rich, smooth frosting that can be customized with food coloring for festive flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Bars

  • Cooking spray
  • 4 1/2 cups (540 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups (500 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 2 cups (230 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
  6. Spread and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges are golden and the top feels set to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar and softened butter together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully combined. If desired, add pink food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
  8. Frost and Decorate: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles as desired. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

  • You can customize the frosting color with any food coloring of your choice.
  • Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy rather than dry.
  • Using room temperature butter ensures better creaming with sugar for a tender texture.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.

Keywords: Sugar Cookie Bars, Buttercream Frosted Bars, Soft Sugar Cookies, Easy Dessert Bars, Classic American Dessert

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