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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

This Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe creates soft, buttery cookie bars baked in a single pan and topped with sweet frosting or glaze. These thick, chewy bars have the classic flavour of sugar cookies but are easier and faster to make—perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Sanding sugar
  • Lemon zest
  • Colored frosting

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add eggs and flavouring

  • Mix in the egg and egg yolks one at a time.
  • Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine dry and wet ingredients

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the bars soft.

Step 6: Press dough into pan

  • Transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or lightly floured hands to press it evenly into the pan.

Step 7: Bake the bars

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.

Step 8: Cool completely

  • Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 9: Add glaze or frosting (optional)

  • Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting or drizzle vanilla glaze evenly over the bars.

Step 10: Slice and serve

  • Cut the cookie slab into squares or rectangles and decorate with sprinkles if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage Tips
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
  • Refrigerate frosted bars for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
  • Baking Tips
  • Do not over bake; the center should look slightly soft.
  • Use room-temperature butter for the best texture.
  • Chill the bars for 20 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Flavour Variations
  • Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Add lemon zest and lemon glaze.
  • Chocolate Chip Bars: Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips before baking.
  • Almond Sugar Bars: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract.
  • Holiday Bars: Use colored frosting and sprinkles for festive themes.