Name: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

Sweet memories bloom with these delectable sugar cookie bars that melt in your mouth.

Childhood nostalgia rushes back from one tender bite of these classic treats.

Soft, buttery squares promise comfort and joy in every delightful morsel.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, sugary embrace.

Friends and neighbors will marvel at the simple yet irresistible charm of this dessert.

Each crumbly, golden rectangle carries the magic of homemade goodness.

Whip up this recipe and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of sugar cookie bars.
Achieve Perfect Texture: Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to avoid tough, dense bars and maintain a soft, tender crumb.
Customize Flavor Boost: Enhance the basic recipe by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or sprinkling cinnamon into the dough for unique variations.
Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check bars around 15 minutes and remove when edges are lightly golden to keep them soft and moist; overbaking leads to dry results.
Cooling Technique Matters: Let bars cool completely in the pan to help them set properly and make cutting easier without crumbling.

Store cooled sugar cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Quick and easy defrosting ensures soft, delicious texture.
Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes to restore original softness and flavor.

Creamy, cold vanilla milk complements the sugar cookie bars' sugary sweetness, creating a nostalgic childhood treat that melts in your mouth.
Warm, spicy chai with hints of cinnamon provides a delightful contrast to the soft, buttery cookie bars, balancing their sugary profile.
Rich espresso with smooth caramel layers perfectly enhances the sugar cookie's delicate vanilla notes, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the cookie's sweetness, adding a bright, refreshing element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based vanilla extract to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
Low-Sugar Sugar Cookie Bars: Reduce sugar by half and incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener, perfect for those watching their sugar intake while maintaining delicious flavor.
Holiday Festive Bars: Add colorful sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or zest of orange to create seasonal variations that capture different holiday spirits and add visual appeal.

No complicated mixing techniques required- just cream, mix, and bake for a foolproof dessert that anyone can master.
Perfect for weekend gatherings, school potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings with minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Easily customizable with sprinkles, frosting, or different extracts to match any occasion or personal taste preference.

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Sugar: Creamy, sweet foundation that provides rich flavor and tender texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture, binding, and deep aromatic flavor. Fresh eggs at room temperature work best.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and provides soft, tender base. Sifted flour helps prevent lumps.
Baking Powder: Helps bars rise and become light and fluffy. Fresh baking powder ensures proper leavening.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Fine table salt or kosher salt works well.

Baking Preparation:

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of bars. Optional but recommended for clean cutting.
Baking Dish: 9×13-inch pan ensures even baking and consistent bar thickness. Glass or metal pan both acceptable.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy cloud. Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until perfectly smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Create Dry Mixture

Grab a separate bowl and combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Gently sift or whisk these dry ingredients to eliminate any lumps.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the creamy butter mixture. Stir carefully until ingredients just come together- avoid overmixing which can make bars tough.

Step 5: Spread and Smooth

Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or clean hands to press the mixture evenly across the entire surface. Create a smooth, flat landscape of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color. The center should remain soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely inside the pan. This allows them to set and develop their signature soft, chewy texture.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.