Sugar cookie bars have a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The sweet, buttery aroma filled the air as she’d mix the batter, and the way those bars just melted in your mouth was pure magic. I’ve discovered that making these easy sugar cookie bars is just as joyful as eating them, and this sugar cookie bar recipe easy enough for anyone to master. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Bars
- They have an incredible sweet, buttery flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- This is a truly easy sugar cookie bars recipe, perfect for beginners.
- You can whip up these delightful treats in under an hour from start to finish.
- They are wonderfully budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- These bars are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, making them family-friendly.
- The texture is perfectly soft and chewy, just like homemade goodness.
- Making easy sugar cookie bars means less fuss and more fun in the kitchen.
- They are a fantastic canvas for decorating, making them ideal for parties.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering the right sugar cookie bar ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful treats. You’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our cookie bars
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps them rise and get that lovely texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – essential for that rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – provides sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together and add richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic, comforting sugar cookie flavor
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) – for a pretty finish, or use for frosting
Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, leading to the best texture for your homemade sugar cookie bars. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Let’s dive into how to make these delightful sugar cookie bars from scratch! It’s a straightforward process that guarantees a delicious outcome.
- Step 1: Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease and flour. This prep ensures your bars won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture forms the foundation of our bars.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. This is where that rich, buttery flavor starts to develop.
- Step 4: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that classic aroma.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients from Step 4. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we’re aiming for soft sugar cookie bars. This is a crucial step in how to make sugar cookie bars successfully.
- Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer so they bake uniformly.
- Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown, but the center should still appear slightly soft. This is key to achieving chewy sugar cookie bars.
- Step 8: Let the sugar cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Once they’re fully cooled, you can dust them with 1/2 cup powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. Or, get creative with your favorite frosting for beautifully decorated sugar cookie bars. This completes the process of how to make sugar cookie bars!
Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars
Want to elevate your sugar cookie bars from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee a perfect bake every time.
- Always use room temperature butter and eggs. They cream together much better, creating a lighter, fluffier dough for your sugar cookie bars.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mix just until combined to ensure you get those wonderfully soft sugar cookie bars.
- Keep an eye on the bake time! Overbaking is the enemy of chewy sugar cookie bars. Pull them out when the edges are just lightly golden.
- Consider adding sprinkles to the dough for instant festive flair, making them perfect for Christmas sugar cookie bars or party treats.
What’s the secret to perfect sugar cookie bars?
The real secret to these perfect sugar cookie bars lies in the balance of ingredients and not overmixing. My go-to sugar cookie bar recipe vanilla ensures they have that classic, comforting flavor that everyone loves. For more dessert inspiration, check out these smores cupcakes.
Can I make sugar cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can mix the dough and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly before spreading into the pan.
How do I avoid common mistakes with sugar cookie bars?
To achieve wonderfully soft sugar cookie bars, avoid overmixing the dough, which can make them tough. Also, don’t overbake them; the center should still look slightly underdone when you take them out, as they continue to cook as they cool. Learning about proper baking techniques can be helpful; consider exploring resources on ingredient properties.
Best Ways to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars
Once your beautiful sugar cookie bars are cooled, the fun really begins! These bars are fantastic on their own, but I love dressing them up. A simple dusting of powdered sugar offers a classic, elegant look that’s perfect for a casual get-together. For something a bit more festive, try spreading them with a creamy buttercream frosting. My favorite is a classic vanilla or cream cheese frosting, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet cookie base. You might also enjoy these nutter butter bars.
You can also get creative with decorating. Think sprinkles for parties, colorful edible glitter for birthdays, or even piping designs for holidays. These sugar cookie bars with frosting are always a huge hit, whether served at a potluck or enjoyed as a special treat at home. They’re also delightful alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Nutrition Facts for Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious sugar cookie bars, per serving. These estimates help when planning your treats!
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use for your homemade sugar cookie bars.
How to Store and Reheat Sugar Cookie Bars
Once your delicious sugar cookie bars are baked and cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them tasting fresh. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing them to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. I usually let them cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, or even longer if I’m planning to frost them. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’re so good, they rarely last that long anyway!
If you need to store them for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay perfectly delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to reheat them slightly to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, you can pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for just a few minutes. This is a great way to enjoy them even after their initial sugar cookie bar bake time. For more freezing tips, explore these last recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookie Bars
What are sugar cookie bars?
Sugar cookie bars are essentially a simplified, bar-shaped version of traditional sugar cookies. Instead of cutting out individual shapes, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as a single sheet, then cut into bars. They offer that classic sweet, buttery flavor and a wonderfully soft and chewy texture, making them a delightful homemade treat perfect for any occasion.
Are these easy sugar cookie bars to make?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be incredibly simple, making it one of the most easy sugar cookie bars you’ll find. From mixing the dough to baking and cutting, the process is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for beginner bakers or for a quick dessert fix. You might also enjoy these cosmic brownie bites.
Can I make homemade sugar cookie bars for Christmas?
Yes, homemade sugar cookie bars are fantastic for Christmas! You can easily adapt them by adding green and red sprinkles to the dough before baking, or by using festive frosting and decorating them with holiday-themed sprinkles after they’ve cooled. They make a beautiful and delicious addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
How do I get the best texture for my sugar cookie bars?
To achieve the perfect texture, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added, as this can make them tough. Also, pay close attention to the bake time; you want to pull them out when the edges are just lightly golden and the center still looks a little soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, ensuring wonderfully chewy sugar cookie bars.
Variations of Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Try
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, offering endless possibilities for delicious sugar cookie bar variations. You can easily adapt these bars to suit different tastes and occasions. For a healthier twist, try gluten-free flour blends for gluten-free sugar cookie bars, or swap some of the granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar (though this might slightly alter the chewiness). If you’re craving something extra special, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a flavor boost.
For those who love the idea of traditional cookies but want the ease of bars, you can adapt this recipe to make cut out sugar cookie bars. Simply chill the dough thoroughly, roll it out on a floured surface, and use your favorite cookie cutters. These variations ensure there’s always a new way to enjoy this classic treat! For another festive treat, try these churro saltine toffee.
Print
Sugar Cookie Bars: Bake 18-22 Mins Magically
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover how to make easy sugar cookie bars, a simple and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields soft and chewy sugar cookie bars that are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. This is the base for your sugar cookie bars.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should still be slightly soft.
- Let the sugar cookie bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or add your favorite frosting for decorated sugar cookie bars.
Notes
- For chewy sugar cookie bars, do not overbake.
- You can add sprinkles to the dough before baking for festive sugar cookie bars.
- This recipe is a great base for various sugar cookie bar variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, easy sugar cookie bars, sugar cookie bar recipe, soft sugar cookie bars, chewy sugar cookie bars, homemade sugar cookie bars, sugar cookie bar decorating ideas
