Print

Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

Thick frosted sugar cookie bars with vanilla buttercream and rainbow sprinkles served on a ceramic plate
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Thick, soft sugar cookie bars baked in a 9×13 pan and topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or an easy dessert for a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 1 cup salted butter, slightly softened (not melted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 TBSP vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt (double it if using unsalted butter)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  3. In the mixing bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fully combined and smooth. (You can also do this by hand with a hand mixer and large mixing bowl)
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until incorporated.
  5. Add baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Drop dough into the prepared pan in approximately 1 TBSP-sized portions.
  7. Using your hands or a spatula, press the dough evenly into the pan from edge to edge.
  8. If dough is sticky, lightly wet your hands and continue pressing.
    • Alternatively, spray a piece of parchment paper with oil, place it on top of the dough, and press evenly.
  9. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
    • Remove from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn golden.

    • The center may appear slightly underbaked — it will continue to bake as it cools in the hot pan.

  10. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
  11. Frost with buttercream frosting and decorate as desired.
  12. For clean edges, trim the outer edges before slicing (optional).

Notes

  • Do not overbake. Slightly underbaked centers ensure soft, chewy bars.
  • Wet hands make pressing easier without adding extra flour.
  • Bars slice cleanest once fully cooled.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/soft-sugar-cookie-bars/