Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. We’re talking sugar cookie bars. Yes, you heard right. Think of it as the lazy-person’s sugar cookies – all the flavor, but without the rolling, and the crispy edges. Cutting, and decorating fuss. If you’re anything like me and love the taste of sugar cookies but despise the work, then go for it. What are some of the best friends of yours? Isn’t it like a sugar cookie? You’ll be hooked. My kids beg for these at least once a week, and I’m not complaining because they are so easy to make. What is a throw What is the best thing about the soft, chewy texture?
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What is sugar cookie bar?
What is sugar cookie bar? Imagine your favorite soft and chewy sugar cookie, but instead of individual cookies, it’s a candy cookie. How do you bake a bar? What’s essentially a giant sugar cookie sheet, slathered with creamy glaze, and sliced into perfect perfect pieces? Think of it as a blondie, but with the sweet, vanilla-infused flavor of ‘sugar cookie’. Is it the perfect dessert for a sweet tooth? I don’t want the fuss. I just want It’s also brilliant for parties – everyone loves them, and they’re much easier to serve than a traditional cake. Individual cookies. No fancy equipment needed, just a mixing bowl, pan, and your oven!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways!flavorIs this sugar cookie perfection? What’s that classic vanilla sweetness with a hint of almond extract? What is that taste that brings you back to childhood?simplicityIs this recipe foolproof? I’ve made it so many times, and it always comes out perfectly. Even my husband can whip these up! The ingredients list is short and sweet (pun intended), and the steps are so straightforward. Let’s talk about what we are talking about.Cost-– you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. No need to break the bank to satisfy your sweet tooth!versatilityCan you add sprinkles, chocolate chips, different extracts or even food coloring to customize them? For any holiday or occasion. Is it a blank canvas for creativity? What I love most about these is how quickly they come together, perfect for when you need a quick fix. What are some last minute What is the glaze? What is the perfect combination of sweetness and soft bite?
How do I make sugar cookie bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make sugar cookie bars? How do I make a cookie dough? Is it necessary to bake it until golden brown and slightly puffy? Once cooled, you’ll whip up a glaze and spread it over the top. What is the best part? What’s more, you can cook everything in one pan, which means less dishes to wash. This method is especially great because it yields a soft, chewy texture that’s just to die for. Don’t be intimidated by baking – this is one recipe that even a beginner baker can master.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Make sure it’s soft, not melted! * 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Don’t skimp! * 2 large eggs. Use room temperature eggs for best results. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I love using vanilla extract in this recipe. It makes a difference. * 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!). Add a little somethin’. * 3 cups all-purpose flour. * 1 teaspoon baking powder. Make sure it’s fresh! * 1/2 teaspoon salt. Balances out the sweetness.
For the Glaze:
* 3 cups powdered sugar. Sift it if it’s lumpy. * 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness). I’ve used almond milk and it works great! * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Why can’t you have too much vanilla? What makes them festive?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do you prevent bars from sticking? If you have an overhang, you can line the pan with parchment paper. I always do this when I’m feeling lazy!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to distribute baking powder evenly? What is the texture of Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? Beat eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract (if using). Make sure the butter is properly creamed for the right texture.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix dough. The dough will be thick. Don’t panic – that’s normal!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
There is no filling for this recipe. If you want to make the bars festive, divide the dough in half and add a few drops of food coloring.) To each half for marbling!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you press dough into a baking pan? Use your hands or the back of a spoon to spread it out. If you want to make it fun, consider splitting the dough into two bowls and adding food coloring to the top of the bowl. After pressing the first color down, place chunks of the second color randomly across the surface. Use a knife to gently swirl them together for an unique pattern.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Is it possible to get a clean wipe out? Keep a close eye on them – ovens vary! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with salt. I like to wait until the bars are completely cool to prevent the glaze from melting.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze is set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. I use a pizza cutter for this! Can you store these bars in an airtight container? Temperature for up to 3 days.
What should I serve it with?
Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways!
For Breakfast:What’s a good way to start the day? I love pairing them with a latte.
For Brunch:What are some great brunch spreads? Serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits. They add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory dishes.
As Dessert:After a hearty dinner, these bars are the perfect sweet treat. What’s a better way to serve whipped cream or vanilla ice cream?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best bars to hangout with friends? What are some good ways to enjoy hot chocolate with milk while watching your favorite movie? My kids love this combination!
My family tradition is to make these every Christmas. We cut them into festive shapes and decorate them with different colored glazes and sprinkles. What are some good ways to celebrate the holidays?
How do I make sugar cookie bars?
What are some tips for making sugar cookie bars?
Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened. Is it soft enough to press your finger into, but not melted? How do I get the right texture? I always take my butter out of the fridge before baking.
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the dough. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Swirl CustomizationHow do you get creative with swirls? Use different colored doughs or add a few drops of food coloring to create fun patterns. I’ve even used melted chocolate to swirl into the dough.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can substitute almond extract (or vice versa). You can also use different types of milk in the glaze, such as almond milk or soy milk. I find the flavor holds up really well with almond milk!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Ovens vary, so they may need more or less time. The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them!
Glaze Variations: For a chocolate glaze, add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the glaze. For a lemon glaze, substitute lemon juice for the milk and add a teaspoon of lemon zest. The possibilities are endless!
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter, and the bars turned out a little too salty. I learned my lesson – always double-check your ingredients!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Sugar Cookie Bars to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be delicious for a few days.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing for the best results. I also like to cut the bars before freezing, this way when you pull them out, they are easy to put on a plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a must-try recipe! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to be a hit. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and comforting. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other bar recipes, such as my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and my Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. I hope you love these bars as much as my family does! Happy baking! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your variations and tips!
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
