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Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar cookie bars are soft, buttery treats baked in a single pan and topped with sweet frosting, offering all the deliciousness of traditional sugar cookies with half the effort. Perfect for any celebration or craving, these customizable bars are simple to make, easy to serve, and impossible to resist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugar Cookie Frosting

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring gel optional
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set the pan aside. In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing until everything is well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing. Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookie bars are set and the top is lightly golden. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before frosting. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel in a medium bowl until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency. Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, generously spread the frosting over the top. Add sprinkles if desired, then cut into 16 even squares. Serve and enjoy!