Name: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: Soft and Festive
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened (frosting)); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 –3 tbsp milk; Optional: Food coloring (sprinkles); Suggested Pairings: Milk (fresh fruit)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Sugar Cookie Bars are a soft, festive dessert, perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. This easy recipe, featuring chewy vanilla sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting, delivers sweet, buttery flavors with a delightful texture. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally topped with colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, this Sugar Cookie Bars recipe offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any dessert table. This recipe provides a simple baking method with pantry-staple ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing treat that brings joyful, celebratory charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk
Optional: Food coloring, colorful sprinkles

Serving:

Optional: Sprinkles, powdered sugar
Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, ice cream
Suggested Pairings: Milk, hot chocolate
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, spatula, measuring cups/spoons, cooling rack

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Taste a pinch of the dry mix and adjust with a bit more salt for a balanced flavor.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust with more powdered sugar or vanilla for a balanced sweetness. Add food coloring if desired.
Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar. Cut into 16 squares and arrange on a white ceramic platter. Serve with fresh fruit or ice cream, paired with milk or hot chocolate.

Tips for Better Sugar Cookie Bars

Use softened butter for smooth creaming and even texture.
Taste and adjust the dry mix or frosting before baking or spreading to balance sweetness and flavor.
Avoid overbaking to keep bars soft and chewy; check doneness with a toothpick.
Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the colorful frosting and sprinkles.
Make ahead: Bake bars up to 1 day in advance; frost before serving.
Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification.
Enhance aesthetic: Add colorful sprinkles or powdered sugar for a festive, vibrant pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour; confirm baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce or flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water), and milk with plant-based milk.
Low-Sugar Sugar Cookie Bars: Reduce granulated sugar to 1 cup and powdered sugar to 1 1/2 cups, or use sugar substitutes.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Fold 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon extract to the batter; use lemon juice in the frosting.
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars: Mix 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles into the batter for a colorful twist.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars: Replace half the frosting butter with cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
Spiced Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix for a warm flavor.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Serve at room temperature for the best soft, chewy texture.
Use as a dessert or treat for parties or gatherings.
Pair with milk or hot chocolate to complement the sweet, buttery flavors.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with sprinkles for a festive, joyful charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 16 servings (1 bar each, with frosting):

Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 140mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar or vegan options reduce sugars or cholesterol). Moderate in calories; high in sugar and fat.

Conclusion

This Sugar Cookie Bars recipe delivers a soft, festive dessert perfect for parties or family gatherings. It transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The buttery bars and creamy frosting delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its joyful, celebratory charm.