The Best Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)
Soft, buttery bars with creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime craving a classic treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Creamy Frosting
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Food coloring (optional)
14 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to butter mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
04 - In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
06 - Evenly press dough into prepared pan using clean hands or offset spatula, creating smooth, uniform layer.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Take care not to overbake.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in pan on wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add milk, vanilla, and salt. Whip until smooth and fluffy. Adjust with additional milk if needed for spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles immediately after frosting, if using.
11 - Using parchment overhang, lift bars from pan. Cut into 24 equal squares.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture impossibly soft like a cross between a cake and a cookie
- Twenty minutes of active work for a dessert that feeds a crowd
- The frosting to cookie ratio is absolute perfection
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy here check at 18 minutes and remove when just set
- Press dough evenly using the bottom of a measuring cup for uniform thickness
- Room temperature ingredients prevent a lumpy frosting situation
03 -
- Use room temperature eggs to prevent the batter from separating
- Sift powdered sugar directly into the mixing bowl to avoid dusting your entire kitchen