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–+ servings

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!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: frosted sugar cookie bars, lofthouse sugar cookie bars, soft sugar cookie bars, sugar cookie bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Frosting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 20 bars

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.