Sugar Cookie Bars: 1 Amazing Recipe

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars: 1 Amazing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Frosting:; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

by Jannet Lisa

11 de September de 2025

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Sugar cookie bars have been a staple in my kitchen for years, bringing smiles and sweet memories to every gathering. I remember my mom making these easy sugar cookie bars for my birthday parties when I was a kid. The scent of vanilla and warm sugar filling the house was pure magic, and the soft, chewy texture was simply irresistible. Making these sugar cookie bars from scratch always feels like a warm hug, and I’m so excited to share this simple recipe with you. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive holiday celebrations. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe

These bars are a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:

Incredible taste: Perfectly sweet with a delightful vanilla flavor.
Quick prep time: Get them in the oven in under 20 minutes!
Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making them easy on your wallet.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike adore these simple treats.
Perfect texture: You’ll adore these soft sugar cookie bars.
Wonderfully chewy: They have that satisfyingly chewy sugar cookie bars bite.
Versatile: Great for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings.

Sugar Cookie Bar Ingredients

Gathering the right sugar cookie bar ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. For the bars themselves, you’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, which provides richness and helps create that tender texture. We’ll also use 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for sweetness and that classic sugar cookie flavor. Two large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract add moisture and depth. For the dry components, grab 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder for a little lift, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness. These simple ingredients come together to make the most amazing sugar cookie bars!

Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Bar Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars From Scratch

Learning how to make sugar cookie bars is incredibly rewarding, and this straightforward recipe makes it a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is key to preventing sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy. You’ll notice it becomes pale and airy, a sign of good things to come for your sugar cookie bars.
Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is already fantastic!
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisking them together ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined – it’s really important not to overmix the sugar cookie bar dough. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want soft, delightful treats!
Step 6: Spread the sugar cookie bar dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to get it into all the corners for consistent baking.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set. The sugar cookie bar bake time is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture.
Step 8: Let the sugar cookie bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting them. Patience here is a virtue!

Making the Sugar Cookie Bar Frosting

Step 9: To make the delicious frosting, beat the 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened in a bowl until it’s nice and creamy.
Step 10: Gradually add the 3 cups powdered sugar, alternating with the 1/4 cup milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth and perfectly spreadable.
Step 11: Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that classic sweet flavor.
Step 12: Spread this luscious frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Now you have beautiful frosted sugar cookie bars!
Step 13: Cut into bars and decorate as desired. Enjoy your wonderful homemade sugar cookie bars!

Sugar Cookie Bars: 1 Amazing Recipe - Sugar Cookie Bars - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars

Want to elevate your baking game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee success with these delightful bars every single time. These simple tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor that everyone loves.

For wonderfully chewy bars, slightly underbake them. Just pull them out when the edges are golden but the center still looks a little soft.
Don’t skip creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy – this incorporates air, which is key for texture.
Letting the bars cool completely before frosting is essential, otherwise, you’ll have a melty mess!

What’s the secret to perfect soft sugar cookie bars?

The secret lies in not overmixing the dough and slightly underbaking. Overmixing develops gluten, making them tough. Underbaking ensures they stay tender and moist. This combination makes for the best sugar cookie bars.

Can I make sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Once baked and cooled, they can be stored at room temperature. For more make-ahead ideas, check out these last recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with sugar cookie bar dough?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can result in tough bars. Also, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification. Lastly, don’t overbake them; watch for golden edges and a set center. For more baking tips, you might find information on ingredient substitutions helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Homemade Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful bars are so versatile, you can serve them in so many fun ways! For a classic treat, top them with a generous layer of creamy sugar cookie bar frosting. You can add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch, especially for holiday sugar cookie bars. They’re also wonderful served simply as they are, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a more decadent experience, try pairing them with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries. These frosted sugar cookie bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Nutrition Facts for Sugar Cookie Bars

Crafting these delicious treats from scratch means you can get a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for these delightful bars, offering a sweet indulgence that’s surprisingly balanced.

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 100 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Sugar Cookie Bars

Keeping your delightful sugar cookie bars fresh is easy with a few simple storage tips. Once they’ve completely cooled on a wire rack, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to method for keeping them perfectly soft and delicious for a few days of snacking. If you want to keep them even longer, wrapping them well is key to keeping sugar cookie bars fresh. For longer storage, freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let the frozen bars thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring them to room temperature before enjoying. You can also gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes if you prefer them warm and slightly gooey. For another sweet treat, try these nutter butter bars.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe

What makes these the best sugar cookie bars?

The combination of simple, high-quality ingredients and the technique of not overmixing the dough is what makes these the best sugar cookie bars. Plus, the balance of a soft cookie base with creamy frosting is perfection!

Can I make holiday sugar cookie bars with these?

Absolutely! These are fantastic for all sorts of celebrations, especially holiday sugar cookie bars. Simply add festive sprinkles to the frosting before it sets, or use cookie cutters to make shapes from the dough before baking for unique sugar cookie bar cutouts. You might also enjoy these churro saltine toffee for a different kind of holiday treat.

Are there any sugar cookie bar variations I should try?

Oh, definitely! For a twist, try adding a bit of almond extract along with the vanilla for a different flavor profile. You could also swap out some of the flour for almond flour for a slightly different texture. These sugar cookie bar variations keep things exciting!

How do I get that perfect chewy texture?

The secret to achieving wonderfully chewy sugar cookie bars is to slightly underbake them. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden, but the center should still look a little soft. They’ll continue to set up as they cool.

Sugar Cookie Bar Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic sugar cookie bar recipe, you’ll find there are so many fun ways to change them up! These simple tweaks can turn a classic treat into something truly special. For instance, you can easily create festive holiday sugar cookie bars by adding colorful sprinkles to the frosting or even incorporating them into the dough itself. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a sophisticated twist, or even some finely grated lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy note. These sugar cookie bar variations are perfect for experimenting and finding your new favorite version of this beloved treat. They’re so adaptable, you can even try making Christmas sugar cookie bars with green and red sprinkles!