Sugar Cookie Bars
Table of Contents
There’s a certain kind of magic that fills the kitchen when you’re baking, isn’t there? The fragrant aroma of sweet vanilla wafting through the air, the warm glow of the oven, and the simple joy of creating something delicious with your own two hands. It’s these moments that remind me of my childhood, spent baking with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen, where every recipe was a cherished family tradition. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my Easy Peasy Sugar Cookie Bars — a delightful, nostalgic treat that embodies the heart and soul of home baking.
These sugar cookie bars are like a sweet hug in dessert form. They’re soft, buttery, and topped with a luscious frosting that brings back memories of festive gatherings and cheerful afternoons spent baking with loved ones. This recipe is perfect for when you want all the deliciousness of classic sugar cookies but with the ease of a bar. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple enough for a weeknight treat and special enough for any celebration.
Imagine biting into a soft, tender cookie bar, the creamy frosting melting on your tongue, topped with the cheerful crunch of sprinkles. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but a recipe that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for the sheer joy of it, these sugar cookie bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your Easy Peasy recipe collection.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
There are countless reasons why these sugar cookie bars should make their way into your baking repertoire. Here are a few that fill my heart with joy:
Nostalgic Comfort: These bars encapsulate the comforting flavors of traditional sugar cookies, bringing back memories of childhood and family gatherings. There’s an undeniable warmth in the familiar taste that makes them a staple comfort food.
Effortless Elegance: You get all the delightful flavors of sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. Just spread it in a pan, bake, and frost! This simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy afternoon snack, a festive holiday treat, or a sweet surprise for a loved one. These bars fit right in. Their versatility allows you to serve them at family gatherings, school events, or simply as an after-dinner treat.
Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is a fantastic project to share with little helpers in the kitchen. The process is simple and the results are rewarding. Kids love to help with measuring ingredients and decorating with sprinkles, making it a perfect way to bond over baking.
Customizable Joy: You can easily adapt the frosting color and sprinkle choices to match any theme or occasion, making every batch uniquely yours. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a random Tuesday, you can personalize these bars to fit the mood.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful sugar cookie bars, you’ll need just a handful of kitchen essentials. Here’s what I recommend to make your baking experience as smooth as possible:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls for combining your ingredients with ease. Having multiple sizes can help keep your workspace organized.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: To achieve that fluffy, dreamy cookie dough and frosting. A stand mixer is particularly helpful if you’re doubling the recipe for a larger crowd.
- 9 x 9-inch Baking Pan: For baking your sugar cookie bars to perfection. If you don’t have this size, an 8×8 pan can work, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Parchment Paper: It helps in easy removal and cleanup. Parchment paper ensures that the bars don’t stick and makes transferring them to a cooling rack a breeze.
- Spatula: A must-have for spreading the dough evenly and applying frosting. A silicone spatula works well for scraping every bit of dough from the bowl.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
Sugar Cookie Bars
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 Tbsp. cream cheese; softened
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
Sugar Cookie Frosting
1/4 cup butter; softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
pink food coloring gel optional
sprinkles optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. The parchment paper will help lift the bars easily from the pan after baking.
- In a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Slowly add in the flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough batter has formed. Be sure not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tougher bars.
- Spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set and the top is a light golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes. The cooling step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- In the meantime, you can make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick and you can add more powdered sugar if the frosting isn’t thick enough. Adjust the consistency to your liking for easy spreading.
- Once cooled, spread the frosting generously on top of the cookie bars. Top with sprinkles, and cut into 16 square bars. Enjoy! The sprinkles add a festive touch and a bit of crunch.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 25 minutes • Total Time: 35 minutes • Calories: 210 per bar • Servings: 16
Note: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough to enhance the sweetness and round out the flavors. Salt can help balance the sweetness and highlight the other flavors in the recipe.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These sugar cookie bars may be a delightful indulgence, but they also offer some subtle benefits to savor:
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the bars, while also providing some vitamin A. It’s a key ingredient that contributes to the tender crumb of the bars.
- Cream Cheese: Enhances the creaminess of the dough, contributing to the soft, tender texture of the cookie bars. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Almond Extract: A small amount goes a long way in adding a depth of flavor that complements the vanilla and enriches the overall taste. It gives the bars a unique flavor that sets them apart from ordinary sugar cookies.
- Sprinkles: While they’re primarily decorative, sprinkles add a delightful crunch and can brighten anyone’s day with their cheerful appearance. They’re a fun way to involve children in the decorating process.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These sugar cookie bars are a versatile treat that pairs well with a variety of beverages and dishes:
- Afternoon Tea: Serve these bars with a steaming cup of tea for a classic combination that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon break. The subtle flavors of the bars complement the aromatic notes of a good tea.
- Coffee Delight: A hot cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the bars, adding a robust contrast to the creamy frosting. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the bars.
- Holiday Spread: Include them in your holiday dessert table alongside other festive favorites for a cheerful and colorful display. Their bright sprinkles and frosting make them an eye-catching addition.
- Ice Cream Treat: Top a warm sugar cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. This pairing creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, creamy and crunchy.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep your sugar cookie bars fresh and delicious:
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week if you prefer them chilled. Refrigeration can help maintain their freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. This makes them a convenient make-ahead option for future cravings.
- Serving Leftovers: To enjoy frozen bars, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm. Warming them slightly restores their fresh-from-the-oven texture.
These sugar cookie bars are a cherished recipe that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, a festive celebration, or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Embrace the simplicity and nostalgia of homemade baking with this easy, delightful recipe, and let the comforting aromas fill your kitchen with love.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Slowly add in the flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough batter has formed. Be sure not to overmix.
- Spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set and the top is a light golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes.
- In the meantime, you can make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick and you can add more powdered sugar if the frosting isn’t thick enough.
- Once cooled, spread the frosting generously on top of the cookie bars. Top with sprinkles, and cut into 16 square bars. Enjoy!
