The Best Sugar Cookie Bars (Print Version)
Soft, buttery bars topped with creamy frosting—perfect for parties and holidays.
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Bars
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Frosting
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more as needed
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Food coloring, optional
14 - Sprinkles, optional
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
04 - In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly press dough into prepared pan using clean hands or spatula.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set.
08 - Let bars cool completely in pan on wire rack.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if needed for spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into 24 squares.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The soft buttery texture tastes like nostalgia but without the fuss of rolled cookies
- One pan means minimal cleanup and maximum payoff
- The frosting to cookie ratio is absolutely perfect
02 -
- Overmixing the dough makes tough bars—stop as soon as flour disappears
- They might look slightly underbaked when you pull them out, but they'll firm up as they cool
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even mixing
03 -
- Weighing your ingredients with a kitchen scale produces the most consistent results
- A small offset spatula makes frosting the bars so much easier