The Best Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, buttery bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for parties and holidays, these classic treats bake in just 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Bars

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Frosting

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more as needed
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Food coloring (optional)
14 - Sprinkles (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated.
04 - In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
06 - Evenly press dough into prepared pan using clean hands or spatula, creating a smooth, uniform layer.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Do not overbake.
08 - Let bars cool completely in pan on wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy; adjust milk for spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into 24 equal squares.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The soft, buttery texture is like biting into a cloud of vanilla-scented comfort
  • One pan feeds a crowd without the endless rotation of cookie sheets in the oven
  • The frosting stays perfectly creamy and doesnt firm up like royal icing
  • You can customize them for any holiday or celebration with food coloring and sprinkles
02 -
  • Overbaking will make these bars dry and cakey instead of soft and tender
  • Warm bars will melt the frosting into a sticky mess, so patience during cooling is essential
  • The dough will seem thick, but this is normal and necessary for the final texture
  • Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and create a better final result
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan to prevent sticking to your hands
  • Use an offset spatula for the smoothest, most professional-looking frosting application
  • Add sprinkles immediately after frosting so they adhere properly

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