Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe – Sweet, Simple, and Always a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It’s a scent that carries memories and warmth, like a soft hug on a chilly day. Today, I want to share with you a recipe for Sugar Cookie Bars that’s been a cherished tradition in my home. Not only are these bars comforting and delicious, but they also bring joy to just about any gathering. So, let’s dive into this world of sweetness!

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for any skill level.
• Comforting homemade flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Great for any occasion, from birthdays to lazy Sundays.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (the star of the show!)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (don’t skip this; it makes all the difference!)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
• Red food coloring (to add some festive flair)
• Sprinkles (because sprinkles make everything better!)

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal later, and trust me, you want that!

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients, so set this mix aside for later.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy; this should take about 3 to 6 minutes. You’ll love how it transforms from a dense mixture into something airy and inviting!

4. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract — oh, the aroma is simply delightful!

5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Start on low to avoid a flour explosion, and once it’s combined, mix on high until there are no streaks of flour left. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and velvety.

6. Spread the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 27 minutes, or until you see the edges turning golden brown. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for an hour. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

7. For the frosting, start by beating that soft butter in a bowl. Once it’s creamy, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until it’s well combined. Then, mix in the milk and the vanilla — the sweetness is just divine!

8. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, adjusting until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Want a pop of color? Add in some red food coloring and stir until you achieve that beautiful hue.

9. Once your Sugar Cookie Bars are fully cooled, spread the frosting on top and finish it off with a shower of sprinkles. This is where the bars truly come to life!

10. Cut them into 24 squares and store them in single layers. If they survive long enough, they’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself — no judgment here!).

Kitchen Tips

• For a time-saving trick, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking!
• If your frosting seems too thick, just add a splash more milk until it’s soft and spreadable.
• Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist!

Serving Ideas

These Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at family dinners, Sunday brunches, or cozy movie nights in. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates the experience perfectly. You can even use cut-out shapes instead of squares for parties and holidays. Just imagine a plate of frosted stars or hearts!

Storing & Leftovers

• Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for a rainy day; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• To reheat, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and gooey again, just like when they were fresh from the oven.
• If you have any leftovers, consider crumbling them on top of yogurt or mixing them into ice cream for an easy dessert twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! These Sugar Cookie Bars often taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! This recipe is forgiving — feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic, is the way to go.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that irresistible, fragrant smell — you’ll know when it’s just right!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Sugar Cookie Bars is more than just preparing a treat; it’s about creating memories. Each bite brings me back to the family dinners where laughter filled the air and sweet desserts were the reward for our time together. I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own. Feel free to add your personal touch and share it with those you love. After all, food has a magical way of bringing people closer together. Enjoy your delicious journey with these Sugar Cookie Bars!

Sugar Cookie Bars

Delicious and comforting Sugar Cookie Bars that are quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion and always a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 27 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 24 squares

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Bars

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature the star of the show!
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract don’t skip this; it makes all the difference!

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting
• 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
• Red food coloring to add some festive flair
• Sprinkles because sprinkles make everything better!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 6 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, starting on low speed, then mixing on high until smooth and velvety.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 27 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let cool for an hour.

Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy, then add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until combined.
2. Mix in the milk and vanilla until smooth.
3. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until you reach desired consistency. Optionally, add red food coloring.

Assembly

1. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled Sugar Cookie Bars and finish with sprinkles.
2. Cut into 24 squares and store them in single layers.

Notes

For a time-saving trick, chill the dough a day ahead. If the frosting is too thick, add milk until soft. Optionally add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.