Description
Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie bars that are easy to make and perfect for the holidays. No rolling, cutting, or decorating required!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (115g) butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out and transfer to a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Mix in vanilla and food coloring if desired.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
[‘Don’t overmix the dough to keep the bars soft and chewy.’, ‘Use room temperature butter and eggs for better texture.’, ‘Spread the dough evenly in the pan for even baking.’, ‘Watch the bake time closely to avoid overbaking.’, ‘Sift powdered sugar for smoother frosting.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Sugar cookie bars, Christmas dessert, easy holiday recipe, soft and chewy cookies, festive treats