Go Back

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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Frosting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 20 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

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)

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

Method
 

To make the sugar cookie bars
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Use convection bake if you have it.
  2. 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.
  3. Next, add the granulated sugar. Beat on high until smooth.
  4. Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, salt and baking powder. Mix well until combined. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
  5. Add the flour in 2-3 portions, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Add the sprinkles then mix until combined. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
  7. 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.
  8. Press the dough evenly throughout the pan. Use another piece of parchment paper to press the dough down if desired.
  9. 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
  1. Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat it with a hand or stand mixer until smooth.
  2. Add the cream (or milk) and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
  3. Add the powdered sugar in 3 portions, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl once complete.
  4. Spread the frosting over the cooled sugar cookie bars, then add more sprinkles on top if desired.