Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are thick, soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet. They have all the same flavors of a sugar cookie, just in a bar form! Topped with frosting and sprinkles, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. Enjoy the ease of baking them in a single pan, making them a fun and simple dessert to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These bars come together quickly without the hassle of rolling out dough.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of butter, sugar, and extracts creates a rich flavor that everyone loves.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite sprinkles or even fresh fruit for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares and serve at gatherings or as a snack for kids.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a regular Tuesday, these bars fit right in!

Tools and Preparation

To make Sugar Cookie Bars successfully, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 9 x 9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps to achieve a fluffy dough quickly without too much effort.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to remove the bars from the pan without breaking them.

Ingredients

For these delicious Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the 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

For the 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)

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer:
1. Beat together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cream cheese until well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Slowly add in:
– The flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan:
– Evenly spread with a spatula.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set with a light golden brown top.
– Let cool for a few minutes once done.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While cooling, make your frosting in a medium bowl:
1. Beat together the butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring gel.
2. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled:
– Spread frosting generously over the cookie bars.
– Top with sprinkles if desired.
– Cut into 16 square bars and enjoy!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive occasion or an everyday dessert, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your sugar cookie bars with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess complements the sweetness perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of strawberries, blueberries, or bananas on top of the frosting. This adds a refreshing touch and balances the sweetness.

As Party Favors

• Cut the bars into smaller pieces and wrap them individually. They make fun and sweet party favors for birthdays or celebrations.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve warm sugar cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or any favorite ice cream on top. The combination is indulgent and satisfying.

Decorated for Special Occasions

• Customize your sugar cookie bars with themed sprinkles or edible decorations to match holidays such as Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

To achieve the ultimate texture and flavor in your Sugar Cookie Bars, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth batter that mixes well.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Check the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; even a minute too long can dry out your bars. They should be lightly golden on top when done.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here’s a list of tasty options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy side that pairs well with dessert.
3. Nutty Trail Mix: A blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits offers a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of sugar cookie bars.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and extra sweetness alongside your cookie bars.
5. Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop on top or on the side for added richness that complements the flavors beautifully.
6. Chilled Lemonade: A refreshing beverage that cuts through sweetness while enhancing the overall dessert experience.
7. Mini Cheesecake Bites: These provide a creamy layer that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of sugar cookie bars, making it a delightful duo.
8. Graham Crackers with Dip: The crunchiness offers an interesting texture contrast while being easy to prepare alongside your main dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sugar Cookie Bars can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Bold ingredient measurements: Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and taste of your bars.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined for a soft, chewy texture.
• Bold ignoring cooling time: Allow the bars to cool properly before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures that it adheres well.
• Bold skipping parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is essential for easy removal and cleanup. Don’t skip this step!
• Bold neglecting oven calibration: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sugar Cookie Bars

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F; reheat for 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
• Bold Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Sugar Cookie Bars:

Can I use different extracts in Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can experiment with various extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavors.

How do I make my Sugar Cookie Bars more colorful?

You can add food coloring gel into the frosting or even mix it into the dough before baking.

What toppings are best for Sugar Cookie Bars?

Sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips make excellent toppings! Customize based on your preferences.

How long do Sugar Cookie Bars last?

Stored properly, they last around 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I customize my Sugar Cookie Bars recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors or mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips as you desire.

Final Thoughts

Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for any occasion, they invite creativity with various toppings and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging yourself, these bars are sure to delight everyone. Dive into this sweet treat and explore customization options that fit your taste!