Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Sugar cookie bars combine the classic flavor of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar dessert. They are soft, buttery, and topped with a creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter (softened, for frosting)
• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and lightly grease it. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixture. It may look curdled at this stage, which is normal.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes. The bars may look slightly undercooked, but they will continue to set as they cool. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until well combined. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk, then beat until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with sprinkles for a fun, festive finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor twist, try substituting the almond extract with lemon extract in both the cookie and frosting.
• Use colored or themed sprinkles to match holidays or special occasions.
• If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars by a minute or two.
• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture for both the dough and frosting.

Storage

Store the sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine if needed. Keep in mind the texture and taste might be slightly different.

Why does the dough look curdled after adding sour cream?

The curdled appearance is normal due to the combination of butter, egg, and sour cream. It will come together once the dry ingredients are added and does not affect the final result.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

Delightfully soft and chewy Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. These bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies in an easy-to-make sheet format, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture. The mixture may appear curdled at this stage, which is perfectly normal.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined to form the dough.
5. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, ensuring a uniform thickness.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The bars may look slightly undercooked but will continue to set as they cool. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
7. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until well combined. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and milk or half-and-half, then continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Finally, sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the bars tender and soft.
• The baking time is short to keep the bars chewy and moist; do not overbake.
• Use real vanilla and almond extracts for the best flavor.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, sugar cookies, easy cookie bars, frosted sugar bars, dessert bars, homemade sugar cookies