Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 whole egg; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp. almond extract; 3 Tbsp. cream cheese (softened); 1 tsp. baking powder; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 Tbsp. milk; optional pink food coloring gel; optional sprinkles

Published: December 23, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Combining all ingredients into one bowl makes preparation quick and simple.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The bars are baked to perfection, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite sprinkles or colors to match any occasion.
Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these bars are great for parties or family gatherings.
Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them as is or ice them with frosting for an extra sweet touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These items help streamline the process and ensure quality results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9 x 9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing ingredients until fluffy.
Baking pan: A 9 x 9-inch pan creates the perfect thickness for cookie bars.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 Tbsp. cream cheese; softened
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting

1/4 cup butter; softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pink food coloring gel (optional)
sprinkles (optional)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

In a large bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for an even mix.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture until you form a thick cookie dough batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until set and lightly golden on top. Allow cooling for a few minutes after baking.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While cooling, prepare your frosting in a medium bowl by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring gel. Adjust consistency with more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled completely, generously spread the frosting over the top of your cookie bars. Add sprinkles if desired and cut into 16 square bars. Enjoy your delicious Sugar Cookie Bars!

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party or a quiet family night at home. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

For a Special Celebration

Plate with Fresh Berries: Serve the cookie bars alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant and refreshing contrast.
Accompany with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs beautifully with the softness of the bars, creating a creamy texture that everyone will love.

As Party Favors

Individually Wrapped: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and wrap them in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons. This adds a personal touch to your gatherings.
Create Dessert Platters: Arrange the sugar cookie bars on a large platter with other desserts like brownies and fruit tarts for an enticing dessert table.

For Afternoon Tea

Serve with Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookie bars with a nice cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. They provide just the right amount of sweetness to balance out your beverage.

To ensure your Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy batter that results in soft cookie bars.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding flour and baking powder. Overmixing can lead to tough bars rather than soft and chewy ones.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking process; they should be light golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean but not dry.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting and sliding off.

While Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate complements the sugar cookies beautifully, adding an elegant touch.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can be served on top or alongside the bars for added creaminess.
Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and pairs well with the soft texture of the sugar cookie bars.
Marshmallow Fluff Dip: This sweet dip is perfect for dipping cookie bars into, providing an extra layer of flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each bar for an indulgent treat that takes them to another level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when baking Sugar Cookie Bars. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined for a soft, chewy texture.
Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your batter combines. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
Incorrect oven temperature – An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your bars. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Skipping the cooling time – Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Ignoring frosting consistency – A frosting that’s too thick or too runny won’t spread well. Adjust with milk for thinness or powdered sugar for thickness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sugar Cookie Bars.

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavors.

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum included.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

You may replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream for a lighter option.

They can last up to 3 days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings or mix-ins according to your preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress everyone. Give them a try today!

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Sugar Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe