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+ servings
Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Deliciously soft and chewy sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: easy cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened; substitute salted butter with reduced added salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar no direct substitution recommended
  • 2 large eggs can use egg substitutes if needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract opt for pure vanilla for best taste
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract can be substituted with more vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour consider gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda substitute with baking powder only if adjusting other ingredients
  • ½ teaspoon salt use kosher salt for coarser texture or omit if using salted butter
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese mascarpone cheese is a good substitute
  • 4 cups powdered sugar adjust based on desired consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract no direct substitution necessary

Equipment

  • 13x18-inch sheet pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sugar Cookie Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 13x18-inch sheet pan with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet dough, mixing until just combined.
  4. Spread the prepared dough evenly into the greased sheet pan and bake for 12-16 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the center looks set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  5. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the bars, cut into squares, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending. Customize your frosting and toppings for any occasion.

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