Sugar Cookie Bars
Looking for a dessert that’s buttery, sweet, and irresistibly soft—but without all the hassle of rolling, chilling, and cutting cookies? These Easy Sugar Cookie Bars are the answer! They taste just like classic sugar cookies but are baked in a pan, frosted, and cut into squares. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or just a cozy treat at home.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the sugar cookie bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for fun themes)
- Sprinkles for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later for neat slicing.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step gives your bars that soft, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These add richness and that signature sugar cookie flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep the bars tender.
Step 5: Spread the Dough
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly floured) to smooth the top for even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks soft. Do not overbake—these bars continue to set as they cool. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk as needed for a creamy, spreadable consistency. For a fun touch, add food coloring to match a holiday or party theme (think pink for Valentine’s Day , green for St. Patrick’s Day , or pastel shades for Easter).
Step 8: Frost & Decorate
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles for that classic sugar cookie look.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars
- Chill before slicing: Pop the frosted bars in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting for super clean edges.
- Customize the flavor: Add a touch of almond extract along with vanilla for a bakery-style twist.
- Make ahead: These bars store beautifully! Keep them covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 square)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bar | 280 | 2g | 36g | 14g | 0g | 24g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For exact values, consult a nutritionist or use a food calculator.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- No rolling, no cookie cutters – Just press into the pan and bake.
- Perfectly soft & chewy – Like sugar cookies, but thicker and more decadent.
- Customizable for any occasion – Switch up the frosting color and sprinkles for holidays, parties, or seasonal celebrations.