There’s something truly special about the inviting aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house. As I stood in the kitchen, measuring out ingredients, the thought of creating soft, chewy sugar cookie bars brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of joyful gatherings and sweet celebrations. This isn’t just any sugar cookie recipe; these Thick and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars are topped with a luscious frosting and colorful sprinkles that turn an ordinary day into a festive occasion.
Who needs the fuss of traditional cutouts when you can whip up these delightful bars with minimal effort? The combination of rich butter, warm vanilla, and a hint of almond creates a flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for the cookie lover in all of us, these bars deliver all the joy of classic sugar cookies, minus the rolling pin. If you’re looking to impress without the stress and keep everyone coming back for seconds, let’s dive into this easy recipe that will become your new go-to treat!
Why are Sugar Cookie Bars a must-try?
Easy to Make: You’ll love how straightforward these Sugar Cookie Bars are! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an impressive dessert without the need for complicated techniques.
Deliciously Chewy: Each bite of these bars showcases a perfect balance of chewiness and sweetness, enhanced by the enticing flavors of vanilla and almond.
Versatile Treat: Want to customize? You can easily modify the frosting color or add chocolate chips for something extra special.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, these bars will delight friends and family alike.
Less Mess, More Fun: Skip the cookie cutters and rolling out dough; these bars are baked in one dish and ready to be sliced and enjoyed!
Sugar Cookie Bars Ingredients
• • Prepare to bake the most delightful Sugar Cookie Bars with this essential ingredient list!
For the Cookie Base
- Butter – Softened for easy mixing, it adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- Granulated Sugar – The sweetener that gives these bars their chewy texture.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together, providing moisture and structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor, creating a warm, inviting profile.
- Almond Extract – Adds a unique twist; feel free to substitute with more vanilla if preferred.
- All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the bars; fluff and spoon for accurate measuring.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise slightly, achieving the desired texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavor.
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar – The key to a sweet, smooth frosting that complements the cookie bars perfectly.
- Milk – Use to achieve the desired frosting consistency; add gradually for best results.
- Sprinkles – Optional but fun for decoration, adding a festive touch to your treats!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is essential for creating that lovely chewy texture in your Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts, ensuring to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Mix again until fully combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to keep your bars tender.
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Spread Dough: Evenly spread the dough into your prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
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Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Cooling is crucial for the perfect texture!
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Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, create your frosting by mixing softened butter and powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla extract. Gradually blend in milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
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Frost and Serve: Once the cookie bars are cool, frost them generously with your delicious frosting. Add colorful sprinkles on top if desired, then cut into squares and serve!
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sugar Cookie Bars
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Butter Matters: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming, which helps create a light, airy texture in your Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the desired chewy perfection.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper helps you lift the bars out easily and keeps them from sticking, making serving effortless.
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Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool completely before applying the frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and run off, keeping your dessert beautifully intact.
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Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to swap the almond extract for other flavors like lemon or coconut for an exciting variation on your Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven varies slightly. Bake until the edges are golden and the center is just set for the best texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Thick and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic treat to make ahead of time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring the flavors have time to deepen. Additionally, the baked and cooled bars can be kept unfrosted in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious chewy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the bars with your creamy frosting and add sprinkles just before presenting them to your guests. This little bit of advance preparation saves you time and still delivers those homemade flavors that everyone loves!
Sugar Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these delightful bars!
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Festive Frosting: Add food coloring to the frosting for a vibrant look that matches any celebration.
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Citrusy Twist: Swap a teaspoon of almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a refreshing zing.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
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Chocolate Delight: Mix in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for rich, melty bursts in every slice. It’s a delicious surprise that contrasts with the tender bars.
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Sandy Texture: Incorporate finely chopped graham crackers into the dough for a sandy crunch that complements the chewiness perfectly.
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Decadent Drizzle: After frosting, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent finish that elevates each bite.
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Oatmeal Riff: Add rolled oats to the mixture for a chewy texture that brings a unique touch to your Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavors and add an extra layer of comfort to these treats.
How to Store and Freeze Sugar Cookie Bars
Fridge: Store cooled Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keeping them covered will help maintain their freshness and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw before frosting and serving for the best taste.
Reheating: If desired, warm the bars in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy a soft, melty treat. Just be cautious to avoid overheating!
Frosting Storage: If you have extra frosting, store it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. Re-whip before using for a fresh texture.
What to Serve with Sugar Cookie Bars?
These delightful bars are the perfect sweet ending to any meal, inviting warmth and joy to your table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creamy smoothness, perfectly balancing out the sweetness of the bars. The coldness of the ice cream complements the warm bars beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the frosting. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the chewy cookie base.
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Milkshake: A thick vanilla or strawberry milkshake turns dessert time into a nostalgic experience. The creamy texture enhances the soft and sweet qualities of the bars for a fun twist!
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Lemonade: The tartness of homemade lemonade offers a refreshing contrast to the sugary sweetness of the bars. This zesty drink will awaken your taste buds, making each bite even more delightful.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea adds a comforting balance to dessert. The rich flavors of a dark roast coffee nicely enhance the vanilla and almond notes of the sugar cookie bars.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad serves as a light and refreshing counterpoint, perfect for balancing the decadence of the bars. Fresh fruits provide a hint of natural sweetness and a touch of charm to your spread.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, serving with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping adds indulgence to each bite, transforming ordinary sugar cookie bars into an extraordinary treat.
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Sprinkle Topped Cupcakes: Extend the festive spirit by serving colorful sprinkle-topped cupcakes alongside; the combination of textures and flavors keeps the celebration going!
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! For the best Sugar Cookie Bars, make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature. This is crucial for incorporating air during mixing, ensuring a light and chewy texture. For the eggs, use large eggs and bring them to room temperature as well; this helps them mix in smoothly with the other ingredients.
How should I store my Sugar Cookie Bars?
Very! To keep your cooled Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid sogginess. If you like them a bit gooey, you might want to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!
Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Bars, and if so, how?
Absolutely! You can freeze your unfrosted Sugar Cookie Bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, and frost them just before serving.
What should I do if my Sugar Cookie Bars turn out too dense?
Oh no! If your Sugar Cookie Bars are too dense, it might be because the dough was overmixed after adding the flour. Once the flour is just incorporated, stop mixing. Also, double-check that you measured your flour correctly; too much flour can lead to a dry texture. For the next batch, fluff and spoon your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it directly.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with Sugar Cookie Bars?
Definitely! While these Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets, particularly because they contain ingredients like nuts (if using almond extract) and high amounts of sugar. Moreover, those with gluten allergies can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and vegans can try using a flax egg and vegan butter substitute to make them dairy-free. Just remember, always check individual ingredient labels for potential allergens!
Irresistible Sugar Cookie Bars You’ll Want to Bake Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper; lightly spray with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla and almond extracts, scraping the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
- Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just incorporated.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared dish, pressing down gently. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter and powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla extract. Gradually blend in milk until desired consistency.
- Frost the cooled bars generously with the frosting. Add colorful sprinkles on top if desired, then cut into squares and serve.