Sugar Cookie Bars
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This will be the last sweet treat I post for Valentine’s. The classic sugar cookies tend to be a Valentine traditional for a lot of people. If you want sugar cookies for Valentine’s, but don’t want all of the work, this could be your answer, Sugar Cookie Bars.
This recipe for frosted sugar cookie bars comes from Annemarie at Taste Buds. Annemarie and I like a lot of the same things when it comes to cooking. We both recently posted the same recipe one day. So thanks Annemarie, this recipe for chewy sugar cookie bars is a keeper.
This sugar cookie is spread out into a baking sheet to cook, no rolling and cutting here. Then topped with a yummy, sweet frosting and you cut the cookies into bars. At this point you could still have fun and top them off with sprinkles, chocolate hearts etc. You don’t miss out on sugar cookies for this Valentine’s, whip up this sugar cookie recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookie Bars and Frosting
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- LARGE EGGS
- VANILLA
- FLOUR
- SALT
- SODA
- SHORTENING
- POWDERED SUGAR
- MILK
- FOOD COLORING, OPTIONAL
- SPRINKLES, OPTIONAL
Instructions for Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a 13 x 18-inch sheet pan and spread the sugar cookie dough evenly across the pan.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookie bars for 10-15 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Frost the cooled cookie bars with your favorite frosting.
Instructions for Frosting
Combine Butter and Shortening: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and thickness.
Add Milk for Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the frosting is smooth and has a spreading consistency.
Frost the Cookies: Once the sugar cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Top with sprinkles if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sugar cookie bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, it’s not recommended as it may affect the texture and flavor of the bars. Butter provides the best results for a soft and chewy texture.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe typically makes around 40 bars, depending on how you cut them.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought frosting if you prefer, but making your own frosting is easy and allows you to customize the flavor and sweetness.
What can I add to the frosting for extra flavor?
You can add a few drops of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting for an extra flavor boost. You can also color the frosting with food coloring to match any occasion. Gel food coloring works best.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean the frosting off the knife with a paper towel after each cut to ensure clean edges and beautiful bars.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Red Velvet Sugar Cookie Bars
- Swig Sugar Cookies
- Easy Flower Sugar Cookies
- Bakery Style Lemon Sugar Cookies
Sugar Cookie Bars
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 5 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla & mix well.
- In a separate bowl combine flour, salt & soda & stir with a whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13 x 18 pan).
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min, until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely and frost.
Nutrition
Frosting
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tbsp milk
- food coloring if desired
Instructions
- For frosting combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt.
- Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk & mix until smooth and spreading consistency.
- Spread over cooled cookies.
Nutrition
