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Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.3 from 30 reviews

These frosted Sugar Cookie Bars deliver all the classic flavor of traditional sugar cookies in an easy, no-chill, no-scooping bar form. Soft, chewy, and rich with vanilla, these bars are finished with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting and optional colorful sprinkles, making them a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour (measured properly)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp (252g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Buttercream

  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (230g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp cream or water
  • Gel icing color, optional
  • Sprinkles, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×9 square baking pan with non-stick baking spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer on medium speed, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix. Use a rubber spatula to bring the dough together into a cohesive ball.
  6. Press Dough Into Pan and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 17-23 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
  7. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2-3 hours, so they firm up properly.
  8. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of cream or water, mixing until combined. Add more cream or water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  9. Add Color and Frost: If desired, tint the buttercream with gel icing color. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base. Top with sprinkles if you like.
  10. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the frosted cookie bars from the pan. Cut into slices and serve. Store in an airtight container and consume within 4-5 days for best freshness.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the bars soft and chewy.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift bars from the pan for neat slicing.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/sugar-cookie-bars-with-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/