Soft Sugar Cookie Bars
These soft sugar cookie bars are frosted and have a thick and chewy texture. Add your choice of sprinkles and coloring for the frosting to make these fit for any occasion!
Equipment
- Hand or stand mixer
- large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
- cooking or baking nonstick spray
- silicone spatula
Ingredients
For the sugar cookie bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup sprinkles (I recommend jimmies)
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (salted is OK too)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- pink (or any color) food coloring (optional)
- additional sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
To make the sugar cookie bars
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Use convection bake if you have it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combined softened butter and cream cheese. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
- Next, add the granulated sugar. Beat on high until smooth.
- Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, salt and baking powder. Mix well until combined. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
- Add the flour in 2-3 portions, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the sprinkles then mix until combined. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
- Grease, then line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper. If you don't have parchment paper, just use a nonstick spray to completely coat the pan.
- Press the dough evenly throughout the pan. Use another piece of parchment paper to press the dough down if desired.
- Bake the cookie bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the cookie edges begin to brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting them.
To make the frosting
- Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat it with a hand or stand mixer until smooth.
- Add the cream (or milk) and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar in 3 portions, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled sugar cookie bars, then add more sprinkles on top if desired.