Introduction to Sugar Cookie Bars
Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re like me, life gets pretty hectic. Between work, family, and everything in between, finding time to whip up a delightful treat can seem impossible. That’s where these Sugar Cookie Bars come in—they’re a breeze to make and perfect for satisfying that sweet craving! With creamy frosting on top, these bars are not only quick to bake but also make an impressive dessert to share at gatherings. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s as comforting as a hug from your best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Bars
These Sugar Cookie Bars have it all: they’re simple, speedy, and absolutely delicious! You won’t need fancy equipment or hours to create a dessert that impresses. Whether you’re baking for a last-minute school event or a cozy family gathering, these bars deliver that sweet satisfaction without the hassle. Plus, who can resist that creamy frosting? Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking these delightful Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener in the bars, giving them that classic cookie flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Added for the creamy frosting, it gives a smooth texture without any grittiness.
- Egg: A large egg helps bind everything together, providing moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: This brings warmth and sweetness, making every bite feel extra special.
- Almond Extract: Just a hint adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie bars, providing structure and textural balance.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bars rise and achieve that delightful lightness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient in the frosting, making it creamy and slightly tangy.
- Optional Add-Ins: You can add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to personalize your bars with extra crunch and flavor.
Check the bottom of the article for specific quantities and a handy printout of the recipe!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Ready to dive into baking these Sugar Cookie Bars? Let’s go step by step to create something delightful. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through with tips sprinkled throughout!
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking for your bars.
Next, grab your 9×13 baking dish. Line it with parchment paper or give it a good spray with non-stick spray. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later and avoids the dreaded sticking issue!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, start by creaming the softened butter with granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
Now, introduce powdered sugar to the mix. Beat for another minute until it’s well incorporated. You want this mixture to be smooth and airy, setting the stage for a luscious cookie texture!
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time for the star players: the egg and extracts! Add your large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
Beat it all together until everything is smooth and combined. This step adds moisture and flavor, making your bars irresistibly delightful!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial—it aerates the flour and mixes the dry ingredients evenly.
Once combined, gently whisk them together to ensure everything is well blended.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Use your mixer on low speed to combine.
After that, you might need to use your hands to press the dough together if it looks crumbly. Don’t be afraid! Embrace the dough—it’s part of the fun!
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Once the dough is cohesive, press it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Get it nice and smooth; this will make for lovely, uniform bars.
Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for slight puffing up and that gentle cracking on top. Trust me—the aroma will be heavenly!
Step 7: Cool Before Icing
Patience is key! After taking the bars out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan. You can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for a bit.
Cooling is vital before adding the frosting. Otherwise, you might end up with a melty mess instead of a dreamy frosting layer!
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Give the bars sufficient time to cool before frosting.
- Experiment with toppings, like sprinkles, for added fun and flavor!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: Use glass or stainless-steel bowls for durability. Plastic works too!
- Electric Mixer: A hand mixer is perfect; a stand mixer is a luxurious option if you have one.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 dish is essential, but glass or metal pans work wonderfully.
- Parchment Paper: This makes removal easy; aluminum foil can be a decent substitute.
- Sifter: A fine-mesh strainer can substitute if you don’t have one.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Gluten-Free Options: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
- Funfetti Bars: Mix in colorful sprinkles before baking to make festive, funfetti sugar cookie bars that brighten up any occasion.
- Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy flavor that compliments the sweetness beautifully.
- Nutty Variation: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add a delightful crunch to your bars.
Serving Suggestions for Sugar Cookie Bars
- Enjoy your Sugar Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Serve them alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a refreshing contrast.
- For a festive touch, drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the frosted bars.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Present them on a colorful platter, garnished with sprinkles for an eye-catching display!
FAQs about Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I make these Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste just as delicious the next day!
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use a simple buttercream by mixing softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. It’ll be just as delightful!
How should I store the leftover Sugar Cookie Bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re in a warm climate, keep them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then slice and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why did my Sugar Cookie Bars turn out dry?
Dry bars can happen if you overbake them. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and trust your instincts when they start to puff and crack—it’s your ticket to soft, chewy bars!
Final Thoughts on Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating these Sugar Cookie Bars is more than just whipping up a dessert; it’s about making memories in the kitchen. The aroma of sweet baking fills the air, inviting loved ones to gather around and share in the joy. These bars are perfect for celebrations, comforting afternoons, or just because you deserve a treat. With a quick prep time and that creamy frosting, what’s not to love? Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking, friends, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- A pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray then set aside.
- Cream the butter and granulated sugar together, then sift in the powdered sugar and beat again until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract and almond extract and beat again until smooth.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and beat until well combined. Then press dough together with your hands until it fully comes together.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sides puff up and the top starts to crack.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely before icing. (You can speed up the cooling by popping the baked cookie into the fridge.)
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- For best results, do not overmix the dough.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
