Description

These Sugar Cookie Bars are a deliciously soft and chewy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a rich buttery base topped with creamy vanilla almond frosting and festive sprinkles. Ideal for gatherings or an everyday dessert, they combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies into an easy-to-make bar form baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 whole egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 Tbsp. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pink food coloring gel (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese, mixing until well combined, scraping down the bowl sides as needed for even mixing.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan using a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden on top. Allow to cool for several minutes before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: In a separate medium bowl, use a mixer to beat softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
Frost and Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive touch. Cut into 16 square bars and serve.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bars.
You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if preferred.
Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, sugar cookies, frosted cookie bars, easy dessert, bar cookies, cream cheese frosting, festive treats