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
Scale
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