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–+ servings
sugar cookie Bars

Easy Sugar Cookie Bars

5 from 1 vote
Thick, soft, and chewy sugar cookie bars topped with rich buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles. Ready in under an hour without rolling or chilling the dough.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Bring to room temperature for smooth creaming
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened Adds moisture and a subtle tang
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar Creates slightly crisp edges
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides classic bakery flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract Optional but highly recommended
  • 3 cups all purpose flour Spoon and level to measure properly
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Gives the dough a gentle lift
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened For the buttercream frosting
  • 3 cups powdered sugar For the buttercream frosting
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream Thins the frosting to a spreadable consistency
  • 0.25 cup rainbow sprinkles For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 9×13 inch baking pan For baking the bars
  • 1 Stand mixer or hand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
  • 2 Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredients
  • 1 Measuring cups To measure ingredients accurately
  • 1 Parchment paper To line the baking pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
    lining baking pan with parchment paper
  2. Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating well after each addition until fully combined.
  4. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low speed just until the white streaks disappear.
  5. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and press it into an even layer with your hands.
    pressing sugar cookie dough into pan
  6. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden brown, then let cool completely.
    baked cookie bars cooling in pan
  7. Beat the frosting ingredients together until smooth, spread evenly over the cooled bars, and top with sprinkles.

Nutrition

Serving: 85gCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure your butter is completely softened before starting for the best texture.

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