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Easy Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution when you crave soft, buttery sugar cookies but don’t want the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. These bars have all the classic sugar cookie flavors—sweet, vanilla-infused, and slightly crisp on the edges—paired with a thick, creamy frosting.
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Equipment

  • - 9x13-inch baking pan
  • - Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • - Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cookie Base
  • - 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • - 1 1/4 cups 250g granulated sugar
  • - 1 large egg
  • - 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • - 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
  • - 2 1/2 cups 315g all-purpose flour
  • - 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • - 1/4 tsp salt
  • For the Frosting
  • - 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
  • - 3 cups 375g powdered sugar, sifted
  • - 1/4 cup 60ml milk
  • - 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • - Food coloring optional
  • - Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • #### For the Cookie Base
  • **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  • **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  • **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
  • **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • **Spread Dough:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the surface.
  • **Bake:** Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
  • **Cool:** Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan.
  • #### For the Frosting
  • **Cream Butter:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  • **Add Sugar and Milk:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, alternating between the two, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • **Add Color (Optional):** Mix in food coloring if desired.
  • **Frost the Bars:** Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base.
  • **Decorate:** Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.