Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 cup butter (softened) for frosting; 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting; 2 Tbsp milk for frosting; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for frosting; pink food coloring gel (optional) for frosting; sprinkles (optional) for frosting

Published: December 13, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these cookie bars in no time.
Versatile Topping Options: Customize your bars with different colors of frosting or seasonal sprinkles for any celebration.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Enjoy the unique texture that sets these cookie bars apart from traditional cookies.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at gatherings or as a lunchbox treat.
Delicious Flavor: Each bite is packed with the sweet flavor of vanilla and almond, making them an instant favorite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with making Sugar Cookie Bars, gather your kitchen tools. Using the right equipment streamlines the process and helps achieve the perfect result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9 x 9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, achieving a fluffy batter.
Baking pan: Provides even cooking for your cookie bars, leading to a perfect texture.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the dough evenly in the pan for consistent baking.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Bars are thick, soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet. They have all the same flavors of a sugar cookie, just in a bar form! Topped with frosting and sprinkles, making the best dessert!

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)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl with a stand mixer or hand mixer:
1. Beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until well combined.
3. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly add in:
– The flour
– The baking powder

Mix until a thick cookie dough batter forms but avoid overmixing to maintain softness.

Spread the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan:
– Use a spatula to evenly spread it out.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set with a light golden brown top.
– Let cool for a few minutes before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While cooling, prepare your frosting:
In a medium bowl:
1. Beat together butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel (if using).
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled:
– Spread frosting generously on top of the cookie bars.
– Add sprinkles if desired.
– Cut into 16 square bars and enjoy!

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these bars lend themselves to creative serving options.

With a Glass of Milk

Pair your sugar cookie bars with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy texture of milk complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

As Party Favors

Cut the bars into smaller squares and package them as party favors. Add a decorative ribbon for an extra touch that guests will love.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the bars on a colorful dessert platter along with other treats. This makes for an eye-catching display at any gathering.

Topped with Fresh Berries

Serve your sugar cookie bars with fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the bars beautifully.

With Ice Cream

For an indulgent treat, serve warm sugar cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This creates a deliciously gooey dessert experience.

To ensure your Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookie bars soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An inaccurate oven can affect baking time and texture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your bars cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures beautiful layers.
Experiment with Flavorings: Feel free to play with different extracts like coconut or lemon for unique flavors in your Sugar Cookie Bars.

Sugar Cookie Bars can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavor and create a complete dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served alongside provides a fun dipping option that adults and kids alike will enjoy.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds creaminess and makes for an elegant presentation.
Coffee or Tea: Pairing these bars with coffee or tea offers a cozy vibe, perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses that contrast sweet flavors for an interesting taste combination.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookie bars for added richness and decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or cream cheese can lead to a dense texture. Always let your ingredients sit at room temperature before mixing.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long after adding flour can make the bars tough. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy result.
Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much being used. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
Using the wrong baking pan: A different size pan can alter baking time and texture. Stick with a 9 x 9-inch pan for best results.
Skipping cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Yes, you can swap almond extract with other flavors like lemon or coconut extract for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

You can top your bars with different frosting colors, edible glitter, or themed sprinkles for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Using a sharp knife and cutting while the bars are slightly warm helps achieve clean edges. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their thick, chewy texture makes them an irresistible treat that everyone loves. You can customize them with different frostings or mix-ins based on your preferences. Try making these delightful bars today and enjoy their sweet simplicity!

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Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe