Fluffy and Sweet Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for Home Bakers
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.
Sweet Tips for Soft and Sweet Cookie Bars
Keeping Sugar Cookie Bars Fresh and Frosted
Things to Serve with Sugar Cookie Bars
Fun Frostings and Variants for Cookie Bars
Sugar Cookie Bars That Never Disappoint
What You’ll Need for Sugar Cookie Bars
Base Ingredients:Dry Ingredients:Baking Preparation:How to Bake Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step
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: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.
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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
Sweet sugar cookie bars bring classic comfort to dessert lovers seeking simple, delightful treats. Buttery, crumbly layers with creamy frosting create a nostalgic indulgence that satisfies cravings and brings smiles to gatherings.
Ingredients
Baking 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
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a cozy 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light butter coating or a protective parchment paper lining.
- Whip the butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until they transform into a cloud-like, airy mixture. Introduce eggs and vanilla, blending thoroughly until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.
- In a separate vessel, delicately combine flour, baking powder, and salt through a gentle whisking motion. Gradually marry these dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, stirring with a careful hand to prevent overmixing.
- Tenderly transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish, using fingertips or a smooth spatula to create an even, elegant landscape across the surface.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake for 18-20 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges as your signal of readiness – the center should remain soft and yielding.
- Once removed, permit the bars to cool completely within the pan, transforming from warm, fragrant delight to a perfect, sliceable treat ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother texture, preventing dense or tough cookie bars.
- Use parchment paper overhang for effortless removal and clean cutting of bars, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
- Customize flavor by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or swapping vanilla for a unique twist that keeps the recipe exciting and personalized.
- For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same tender crumb and delightful taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 63mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
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.