Sugar Cookie Bars

This easy Sugar Cookie Bars recipe delivers a delightful treat with a soft, chewy texture topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for potlucks, parties, and holidays, these bars are quick to prepare without any need for chilling, rolling, or cutting. You’ll love how simple and satisfying they are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Fuss Preparation: These sugar cookie bars require no chilling or rolling out dough, making them an effortless choice for busy bakers.
• Deliciously Versatile: Ideal for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The unique combination of ingredients creates a delightful chewiness that melts in your mouth.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich frosting adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite even more delicious.
• Large Batch: With 30 servings, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes everything easier and ensures success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 13×18-inch half sheet pan (or 9×13-inch pan if halving the recipe)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools ensure thorough mixing of ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter evenly in the pan and scraping down bowl sides.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate wet and dry ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

This easy Sugar Cookie Bars recipe has a soft and chewy texture and cream cheese frosting, without chilling, rolling, or cutting. They are perfect for potlucks, parties, and holidays!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter ((227g) room temperature)
– 2 cups granulated sugar ((400g))
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ((594g))
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((113g), room temperature)
– 8 ounces cream cheese (, room temperature)
– 4-5 cups powdered sugar ((480g-600g), (more or less depending on how thick you want your frosting))
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract*

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×18” half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. If you’re using a smaller pan (9×13”), consider cutting the recipe in half.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Mix until light and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, beating after each addition until well blended.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture into the wet batter until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread and press the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 12–16 minutes or until the center is set with lightly golden edges. Remove from oven to cool completely.

Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the remaining butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in vanilla extract followed by powdered sugar gradually until achieving desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled completely, frost your sugar cookie bars generously with cream cheese frosting. Cut them into squares before serving.

Store bars covered well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy these delightful treats!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration. Their delightful taste and creamy frosting make them a crowd favorite.

For Parties

• Cut into bite-sized pieces – This makes them easy to grab and enjoy while mingling.
• Arrange on a decorative platter – A nice presentation can elevate the experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with your favorite beverage – The sweetness of the bars complements coffee and tea beautifully.
• Serve warm – Just out of the oven, they offer a delightful contrast to a hot drink.

For Kids’ Events

• Add colorful sprinkles on top – Kids love fun decorations, making them more appealing.
• Create themed shapes – Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes before frosting for special occasions.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Include alongside other treats – Sugar Cookie Bars pair well with brownies, cupcakes, and fruits.
• Label each dessert – This helps guests know what they’re choosing from your dessert spread.

How to Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined prevents tough bars and keeps them soft.
• Test for doneness – The edges should be lightly golden, while the center might look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
• Cool completely before frosting – This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Store properly in the refrigerator – Keeping them covered helps maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the bars.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream serves as a creamy counterpoint to the chewy texture of the bars.
3. Chocolate Dipping Sauce – Melted chocolate offers an indulgent way to enjoy these bars even more.
4. Coffee Cake Muffins – The mild flavor pairs nicely without overwhelming the taste of the sugar cookie bars.
5. Cheesecake Bites – These rich bites complement the lightness of sugar cookie bars perfectly.
6. Mini Cupcakes – Offering various flavors creates an appealing dessert spread that guests will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sugar Cookie Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final product. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Always ensure your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter will not cream properly with sugar, leading to a dense texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make the bars dry. Use a spoon to fluff the flour and then scoop it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the flour can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined for soft and chewy results.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Not adjusting baking time for different pans: If using a smaller pan, reduce baking time. Check for doneness earlier to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps your Sugar Cookie Bars fresh longer.
• Consume within 5 days: They taste best when eaten fresh, but they can last in the fridge.

Freezing Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap individually or as a whole: Use plastic wrap or foil for best results.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Sugar Cookie Bars without cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Can I add chocolate chips to Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips or sprinkles can enhance flavor and visual appeal. Just fold them into the batter after mixing.

What should I do if my Sugar Cookie Bars are too sweet?

If you find them overly sweet, consider reducing the amount of sugar in both the bars and the frosting next time you bake them.

How do I store leftover Sugar Cookie Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These easy-to-make Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday gatherings. Their soft and chewy texture paired with creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings to suit your taste!