These irresistible Sugar Cookie Bars bring the classic cookie experience to a whole new level of convenience. Ready in just 30 minutes, these soft and buttery treats feature the perfect balance of sweetness topped with a smooth frosting.
Perfect for busy bakers who love the taste of traditional sugar cookies but want to skip the rolling and cutting. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these foolproof bars deliver homestyle comfort in every bite.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars
- Butter Base: 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature for smooth blending
- Sweeteners: 2 cups granulated sugar for perfect sweetness
- Wet Mix: 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extracts for rich flavor
- Dry Mix: 4¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and salt
Frosting Ingredients
- Cream Base: ½ cup room temperature butter, 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- Finishing Touch: 4-5 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Baking Instructions
- Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 13×18″ half sheet pan
- Base Mix: Cream butter and sugar until light, then beat in eggs one at a time
- Flavor Addition: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts until well combined
- Dry Integration: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then mix into wet ingredients
- Baking: Spread in pan and bake 12-16 minutes until center sets and edges turn golden
Frosting Instructions
- Base Mix: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth
- Finishing: Add vanilla and gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired consistency
- Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 5 days in an airtight container
Baking Tips
Room temperature ingredients are your best friends for these cookie bars! Your butter and cream cheese should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed – about 30-60 minutes on your counter will do the trick. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that perfect, tender texture we’re after.
Fun Variations
These sugar cookie bars are like a blank canvas for your creativity! Try these simple twists:
- Add sprinkles to the batter for a funfetti version
- Color the frosting with food coloring for holidays or special occasions
- Skip the almond extract if you prefer pure vanilla flavor
- Add lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy kick
- Press M&Ms or chocolate chips on top of the frosted bars
Serving Ideas
These bars are perfect for parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings! Cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, or larger pieces for dessert portions.
They’re amazing with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For special occasions, add colored sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of the frosting to match your party theme.
Storage Tips
Keep these yummy bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving – they taste even better when the frosting is slightly softened!
You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 13×18′ half sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×18” half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix well until light and creamy.
- Add eggs, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix well.
