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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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