Irresistibly Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, these sugar cookie bars capture the essence of classic homemade sugar cookie bars with a delightful twist.

No rolling or cutting required for this simple yet magical treat.

The dense, chewy texture melts in your mouth, creating a nostalgic flavor that brings back childhood memories.

Every bite promises pure comfort and deliciousness.

Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a foolproof dessert that comes together in minutes.

Bring these crowd-pleasing squares to your next gathering and watch them disappear faster than you can say “dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 239 kcal

Servings: 17

What Goes into Sugar Cookie Bars

• Egg: Provides structure and richness to the cookie bars, ensuring a tender texture.
• Sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tangy depth and creates a soft, velvety crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure and gives the bars their classic cookie consistency.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.

• Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aroma and classic cookie flavor.
• Almond Extract: Introduces a subtle, sophisticated nutty undertone.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting with perfect sweetness.
• Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency and adds subtle creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Pink Food Coloring Gel: Optional way to add playful, festive color.
• Sprinkles: Optional decorative touch for extra fun and visual appeal.

Tools and Basics for Sugar Cookie Bars

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and clean-up of baked bars.
• Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Great for spreading dough evenly and scraping mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent results.
• Cooling rack: Allows bars to cool evenly after baking.
• Knife or bench scraper: Perfect for cutting bars into neat squares.

Baking Sugar Cookie Bars Without Fuss

• Sweet Celebration Preparation

Create a cozy baking environment and gather all your delightful ingredients for these irresistible sugar cookie bars.

• Creamy Mixture Magic

Blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy texture. Gently incorporate egg, vanilla, almond essence, and cream cheese, stirring until wonderfully combined.

• Dough Formation

Slowly fold in flour and baking powder, letting the mixture come together into a smooth, silky dough that promises delectable treats.

• Baking Transformation

Spread the dough evenly in a parchment-lined pan, then send it into a warm oven. Watch as it turns golden and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma.

• Frosting Fantasy

Whip up a dreamy topping by blending butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add a playful touch of pink food coloring if you’re feeling extra festive.

• Final Flourish

Lavish the cooled bars with your creamy frosting, sprinkle with joy, slice into delightful squares, and serve to eager friends and family.

Expert Notes for Sugar Cookie Bar Bakers

• Get creative with your frosting by trying different colors and flavor extracts like lemon or orange to match seasonal themes or personal preferences.
• These cookie bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making party planning a breeze.
• For a softer bar, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and check frequently to prevent over-browning while maintaining a tender crumb.
• Experiment with different sprinkle types like rainbow, metallic, or holiday-themed varieties to add fun and color to your sugar cookie bars.
• Keep bars fresh by storing them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Creative Ways to Present Sugar Cookie Bars

• Party Platter Magic: Arrange these sugar cookie bars on a decorative platter with colorful sprinkles scattered around, creating a festive dessert centerpiece perfect for birthdays or gatherings.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, making charming homemade treats to share with friends, teachers, or neighbors during holiday seasons.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these bars alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee, transforming a simple break into a delightful sweet moment that elevates your relaxation time.
• Kids' Decorating Station: Set up a fun activity where children can add their own sprinkles, frosting designs, or additional toppings like mini chocolate chips, making dessert preparation an engaging family experience.

Storing Sugar Cookie Bars for Later

• Smart Chilling Technique: After cooling completely, wrap the sugar cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Cut bars into individual portions before freezing. Place separated layers between parchment paper in an airtight container. Frozen bars stay delicious for 3 months – perfect for quick sweet treats anytime.
• Room Temperature Storage Magic: Keep unfrosted bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a slice of bread inside to help maintain moisture and prevent hardening.
• Make-Ahead Masterplan: Prepare cookie bar dough up to 2 days before baking. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Remove 30 minutes before spreading in pan to reach room temperature, ensuring even baking and consistent texture.

Irresistible Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Delectable sugar cookie bars blend buttery richness with classic sweetness. Crumbly edges and smooth center promise delightful comfort for dessert lovers who crave simple, homemade treats.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
• 1 whole egg
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
• 3 tbsps cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsps milk
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter, softened (for frosting)
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage.
2. Creaming: Blend unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale, creating a voluminous mixture that forms a smooth base for the cookie bars.
3. Wet Ingredients Integration: Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese to the butter mixture, thoroughly combining until a uniform, creamy consistency develops.
4. Dry Ingredients Incorporation: Gently fold sifted all-purpose flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully to form a soft, cohesive dough without overworking the batter.
5. Baking Preparation: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, using an offset spatula to create a level surface that reaches all corners and ensures uniform baking.
6. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden-brown and the center becomes slightly firm. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature.
7. Frosting Creation: Whip softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and spreadable. Optional: Incorporate a few drops of pink food coloring for a delicate pastel effect.
8. Finishing Touches: Once cooled, spread frosting evenly across the surface using a clean offset spatula. Optionally, sprinkle with colorful decorations for added visual appeal.
9. Serving: Slice into uniform squares and serve at room temperature, showcasing the delightful sugar cookie bars.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Texture: Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender, soft cookie bar with delicate crumb structure.
• Ensure Even Baking: Use an offset spatula to spread dough uniformly, guaranteeing consistent thickness and preventing uneven cooking spots.
• Control Moisture Balance: Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of the baked goods.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent baking results, especially with butter and cream cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 239
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg