Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: Best Soft & Chewy Treat

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If you love cookies that are soft and sweet, you will enjoy this recipe for Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars deliver the delicious taste of sugar cookies in a fun, easy format. You can make these for a special occasion or just for a treat on any day. The recipe is simple, so even if you are new to baking, you can confidently create these delightful bars. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Treat

Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic dessert choice for beginners. They combine the sweet, buttery flavors of traditional sugar cookies with the ease of a bar format. This means you won’t have to form individual cookies, making the process quicker and less messy. You mix everything in one bowl and pour it into a pan. After baking, you’ll get soft, delicious bars that everyone will love. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, birthdays, holidays, or just a weekday treat!

Easy Way to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward. You start by creaming butter and sugar together. Then, you add eggs and vanilla for a lovely flavor. Next, you mix in your dry ingredients. After spreading the batter in a baking pan, you bake it until it’s set. While the bars cool, you can prepare a simple cream cheese frosting to add a delicious layer on top. Finally, you can top it all with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch!

Ingredients:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 oz (57 g) cream cheese, softened
1 ¾ cup (350 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (285 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon table salt
10 Tablespoons (141 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 oz (57 g) cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch (for frosting)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
⅛ teaspoon table salt (for frosting)
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9” (33x23cm) baking pan. Set aside.
Combine butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a bowl and beat until creamy.
Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla; mix until combined.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Spread batter in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely.
For frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined.
Spread frosting over cooled bars and add sprinkles if desired.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

You can serve Sugar Cookie Bars as a dessert treat, at a party, or as a special snack. They taste great at room temperature, but you can also serve them warm if you like. Cut them into squares and place them on a plate. If you want to impress your guests, add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks!

Best Way to Store Sugar Cookie Bars

Store leftover Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them; they will last about a week. You can also freeze them.

Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Tips to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly:

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are very soft. This will help you mix them easily and create a smooth batter.
When mixing the dry ingredients, whisk them well to avoid any lumps.
You know the bars are done when the edges turn golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and getting runny.

Variations

Lemon Flavor: Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Sugar Cookie Bars a day ahead and keep them covered at room temperature.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic and store in the freezer. They will last up to three months.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer.

Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful, simple treat that brings joy to anyone who tries them. With their soft texture and sweet frosting, they can brighten any day. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious and share these tasty bars with family and friends.

After you bake your Sugar Cookie Bars, I would love to hear how they turned out! Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience. If you know someone who is also learning to bake, share this recipe with them. Explore more beginner-friendly dessert recipes and keep the sweet adventures going!

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe