Imagine biting into a square of pure, unadulterated sugary joy – but without the fuss of individual cookies! Our Best Sugar Cookie Bars deliver that comforting taste and satisfyingly soft texture, all while saving you precious time. They’re quick to prepare, surprisingly healthy with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with that classic vanilla-buttery flavor you crave. As a busy mom myself, I need quick wins in the kitchen, and these bars are always a guaranteed hit. They’re perfect for school bake sales, after-school treats, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Nana Betty, was famous for her sugar cookies. Every Christmas, her frosted masterpieces were the highlight of the dessert table. While I could never quite replicate her intricate designs (or her unending patience!), these Best Sugar Cookie Bars capture the essence of her love-filled baking in a fraction of the time. They remind me of family, warmth, and the simple joys of sharing something sweet.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Dry & Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Frost: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Spread & Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Best Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.Sprinkles
- Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!