Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, combining the classic sweet flavor with the convenience of a bar format. These soft, chewy treats are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. With a tender base and a luscious layer of frosting, Sugar Cookie Bars are both easy to make and universally loved.

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Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Are not only delicious but also wonderfully simple to make. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that each batch comes out perfectly.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup festive sprinkles
• 1/4 cup milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (optional)
• Additional sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in the festive sprinkles.
• Press the cookie dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
• While the cookie bars cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. If desired, add food coloring and mix until the desired color is achieved.
• Once the cookie bars are cooled, spread the buttercream frosting over the top. Decorate with additional sprinkles.
• Cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Proper Measuring: Accurately measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can lead to dense bars.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until ingredients are just combined to prevent tough bars.
• Monitor Baking Time: Bake until edges are lightly golden. Overbaking can result in dry bars.

Helpful Tips

• Frosting Variations: Customize your bars with different frosting flavors or colors to match various occasions.
• Adding Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add sprinkles immediately after frosting while it’s still soft.
• Cutting Bars: For clean edges, chill the bars briefly before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.

Cooking Tips

• Pan Preparation: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
• Even Spreading: Use an offset spatula to spread the dough evenly in the pan, ensuring uniform thickness.
• Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

• Occasions: Sugar Cookie Bars are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any casual get-together.
• Presentation: Cut into squares or rectangles and arrange on a platter. Add seasonal sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.
• Pairings: Serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or tea for a delightful treat.

By following this guide, you’ll create delicious and visually appealing Sugar Cookie Bars that are sure to impress at any event.

Why are these Sugar Cookie Bars so good?

Sugar cookie bars strike the perfect balance between a cookie and a cake. They have the chewy, dense texture of a cookie, with the convenience and ease of slicing a cake. The buttercream frosting adds a rich, creamy layer, making them irresistibly good.

How to Store Sugar Cookie Bars?

To keep them fresh, store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container. At room temperature, they last for several days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Decorating Sugar Cookie Bars

Get creative with your decorations! Use colored frosting, sprinkles, or even edible glitter. For themed parties or holidays, tailor your decorations to match the occasion. Speaking of holiday treats, if you’re looking for another festive recipe, don’t miss our Christmas Shortbread Cookies, a classic favorite that pairs wonderfully with these sugar cookie bars.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies

There are myriad reasons to fall in love with these sugar cookie bars, each making them a standout treat in the world of baked goods.

1. Simplicity in Preparation: One of the most appealing aspects of sugar cookie bars is their simplicity. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, there’s no need for rolling out dough or using cookie cutters. This ease of preparation makes them a joy to bake, especially when time or energy is limited.
2. Perfect Texture: These bars strike a delightful balance in texture. They are thick and chewy, reminiscent of the best qualities of classic sugar cookies, yet they offer a satisfyingly dense bite like a brownie.
3. Versatility in Serving: Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a dessert after dinner, or as a snack, these bars are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up with frosting and sprinkles for special occasions or enjoyed plain for a simpler, yet equally delicious, experience.
4. A Crowd Pleaser: With their universally loved flavor and texture, these sugar cookie bars are sure to be a hit among people of all ages. They’re perfect for family gatherings, work events, or any occasion where you want to bring a dessert that everyone will enjoy.
5. Customizable: The basic recipe is like a canvas for your culinary creativity. You can add different flavors to the dough or frosting, use various toppings, or even create themed decorations for specific events.
6. Convenient Storage: These bars store beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead treats. They retain their texture and flavor well, whether kept at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer periods.

In summary, these sugar cookie bars are a delightful, convenient, and versatile treat that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Their ease of preparation, delicious taste, and adaptability to different occasions and preferences make them a must-try for anyone who loves sweets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sugar cookie bars represent a delightful convergence of tradition and innovation in the world of baking. They embody the cherished flavors of classic sugar cookies, while offering the ease and versatility that modern lifestyles demand. These bars are more than just a dessert; they are a testament to the ever-evolving nature of culinary creativity, where simplicity meets sophistication.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these sugar cookie bars are a foolproof way to bring joy and sweetness into your home. Their adaptability to various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, makes them a universally appealing treat. The ease of preparation and storage further adds to their charm, ensuring that a delicious, homemade dessert is never out of reach.

As we reflect on the journey from the traditional sugar cookie to these innovative bars, it’s clear that the essence of baking is not just in following recipes, but in the joy of creating something that brings people together. Sugar cookie bars perfectly blend flavor, texture, and convenience, showcasing how classic recipes can transform into new favorites. So, the next time you find yourself craving something sweet, remember that these sugar cookie bars are just a few simple steps away, ready to add a touch of sweetness to any moment.

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