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Close-up of Sugar Cookie Bars topped with smooth white frosting and colorful sprinkles, stacked neatly on parchment paper.

Sugar Cookie Bars

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These chewy, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with vanilla buttercream frosting are a sweet treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling & Chilling 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 16 Bars
Course: cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 253
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour for structure and texture
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder helps the bars rise slightly
  • ¼ teaspoon salt enhances flavor
  • ½ cup butter softened for richness
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness
  • 1 egg lightly beaten binds the dough
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract optional for extra depth of flavor
For the Frosting:
  • ½ cup salted butter softened for frosting base
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar for sweetness and structure
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor
  • 2 Tablespoons whole milk helps achieve a creamy consistency
  • Pinch sea salt balances the sweetness
For Topping:
  • 2 Tablespoons sprinkles optional for decoration

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 1 minute).
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
  5. Add the flour mixture and beat until the dough is smooth and uniform.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly browned on top.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  9. In a mixer, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
  10. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
  11. Add the milk and remaining powdered sugar, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  13. If desired, sprinkle the sprinkles evenly over the top of the frosting.
  14. Refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour to set the frosting.
  15. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1BarCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 372IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars are a classic favorite, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The homemade buttercream frosting adds an extra touch of sweetness, perfect for any celebration.

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