Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable Version)
Soft, buttery bars with creamy vanilla frosting—perfect for parties and sweet treats.
# Ingredient List:
→ Sugar Cookie Bars
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vanilla Frosting
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Food coloring (optional)
13 - Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Do not overbake.
08 - Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in milk and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread the frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift bars out using parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture is somewhere between a cake and a cookie, soft enough to melt in your mouth but sturdy enough to stack on a plate
- They come together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- The frosting-to-cookie ratio is absolute perfection in every single bite
02 -
- Underbaking slightly is your friend here—pull them when the center still looks a little soft because they will continue cooking as they cool and you want that tender texture
- Room temperature ingredients make or break this recipe so plan ahead and set everything out about an hour before baking
03 -
- If your frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it spreads easily
- Chill the frosted bars for 15 minutes before cutting to get those picture-perfect sharp edges