Sugar cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful way to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a sweet moment at home. If you love the classic taste of sugar cookies but want a more straightforward and less time-consuming approach, sugar cookie bars are the answer. These bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a rich frosting, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can’t go wrong with these indulgent treats!
Why We Love This Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
This sugar cookie bars recipe is beloved for many reasons. First and foremost, it captures the essence of traditional sugar cookies, providing that sweet and buttery flavor you adore. The delightful texture of these bars is incredibly satisfying; they are soft enough to melt in your mouth while still holding their shape beautifully.
Another reason to love sugar cookie bars is their ease of preparation. There’s no need to roll out dough or cut out shapes—simply mix, pour, and bake! This makes them a favorite for bakers of all skill levels, particularly busy individuals or families who want to whip up a tasty treat without too much fuss. Plus, the addition of a sweet frosting elevates these bars to a whole new level, transforming them into a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients about Sugar Cookie Bars
To create these sweet delights, you’ll want to have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- Red food coloring
- Sprinkles
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars Directions
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the steps to create these wonderful sugar cookie bars!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and either spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal of the bars later on.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is an essential step to make sure that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use your mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 6 minutes. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your bars that soft texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Start mixing on low speed to avoid a flour cloud, then increase to high until no flour streaks remain. Make sure the batter is well mixed but be careful not to over-mix.
- Spread Batter in Baking Dish: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. It’s important to distribute the batter evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 27 minutes. You’ll know the sugar cookie bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least an hour. Cooling is key as it helps the bar set nicely for frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: While you wait, prepare your frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Scrape down the bowl as necessary. Then, gradually beat in the milk and the vanilla extract. Add the remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Color to Frosting: If you want to add some flair, stir in red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.
- Frost the Bars: Once your bars have cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. To finish, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for that festive touch.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the cooled and frosted bars into 24 equal squares. For best presentation and storage later, store them in single layers.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars
Sugar cookie bars are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven while the frosting is still slightly warm, or let them cool completely for a firmer bite. They are perfect for sharing at parties, school events, or simply on a cozy family night.
One fun way to serve these bars is to pair them with milk or your favorite hot beverage, enhancing the delightful experience. You could also slice them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats, making them ideal for gatherings and potlucks where finger foods are a must. The colorful frosting and sprinkles make them a delightful addition to any dessert table, brightening up your spread!
Expert Tips: Sugar Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix better and results in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be golden, and the center should be set.
- Customize Your Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different food coloring or frosting techniques. This allows you to match their look to any occasion.
- Add Flavor Variations: Want to mix things up? Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Sugar Cookie Bars
Storing sugar cookie bars is easy, and there are a few methods to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. After they have cooled and been frosted, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you are looking to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For added retention, consider freezing the bars. To freeze, slice them into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Sugar Cookie Bars
Getting creative with sugar cookie bars is part of the fun. Here are a few delightful variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: For a refreshing citrus flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a bit of lemon juice to the frosting.
- Brown Sugar Bars: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with packed brown sugar for a deeper flavor and chewy texture.
- Nutty Version: Add your choice of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to give your bars some crunch.
- Seasonal Themes: Customize the sprinkle toppings to match the season, like pumpkin shapes for autumn or pastel colors for springtime.
FAQ
What are sugar cookie bars?
Sugar cookie bars are a delicious baking treat that combines the flavors and texture of traditional sugar cookies in a bar format, making them easy to bake and serve.
Can I make sugar cookie bars in advance?
Yes! Sugar cookie bars are great to make in advance. You can store the baked bars in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
What else can I use for toppings on sugar cookie bars?
Besides sprinkles, you can use crushed candies, mini chocolate chips, or even drizzles of melted chocolate or white chocolate for added flair.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- red food coloring for coloring the frosting
- sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 6 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then add vanilla and mix.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low then increasing to high until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 27 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least an hour.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar, then gradually add milk and vanilla.
- Add remaining powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in red food coloring to achieve desired shade.
- Once bars are cooled, spread frosting on top and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
Serving
- Cut the cooled and frosted bars into 24 squares and serve.
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