Quick Homemade Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: Soft & Sweet Treats

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when sugar cookie bars arrive on the scene, promising comfort and nostalgia in every delectable bite.

Childhood whispers echo from this simple yet magical treat that connects generations through its buttery charm.

Soft, golden edges promise a delightful experience waiting to unfold.

Crisp vanilla notes blend seamlessly with rich, creamy textures that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Each square carries a hint of warmth and celebration, inviting you to pause and savor.

Minimal ingredients create maximum happiness in these irresistible bars that practically sing with sweet simplicity.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start baking right now.

Reasons To Crave Sugar Cookie Bars

• Celebrate Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser: Colorful rainbow sprinkles and sweet frosting transform a basic cookie base into a delightful dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Perfect Party Treat: These bars work wonderfully for birthdays, potlucks, school events, and casual gatherings where something fun and shareable is needed.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Standard kitchen tools and basic baking techniques ensure anyone can successfully craft these delicious cookie bars without advanced culinary skills.

What You Need For Sugar Cookie Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a tender texture and delicious flavor to the cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, golden-brown cookie foundation.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, chewy texture of the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure and provides a soft, tender base for the cookie bars.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavors in the recipe.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter: Combine to create a smooth, creamy frosting with a light and fluffy consistency.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting texture and spreadability.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the frosting.
• Rainbow Sprinkles: Provide a colorful and festive finishing touch to the cookie bars.

How To Make Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven and set up your baking pan. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour and salt. Mix carefully to avoid overworking the dough. The goal is a smooth, consistent mixture.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth layer that reaches all corners.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie base cool completely. This might take around an hour, so be patient.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled cookie base. Make sure every inch gets covered with the creamy topping.

Step 9: Add Colorful Sprinkles

Immediately scatter rainbow sprinkles over the frosted surface for a fun, festive look.

Step 10: Set and Serve

Refrigerate the bars for 15-20 minutes to help the frosting set. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy these delectable sugar cookie bars at room temperature.

Helpful Tips For Sugar Cookie Bars

• Prevent Sticking: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and easy cleanup.
• Mix Ingredients Gently: Fold flour and salt carefully to maintain a tender, soft cookie base without overworking the dough.
• Check Baking Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure the cookie bars are perfectly baked, with a clean insertion indicating readiness.
• Whip Frosting to Perfection: Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy for a smooth, creamy topping that spreads easily.
• Chill for Set Texture: Refrigerate frosted bars briefly to help the frosting firm up and create clean, neat slices.

Different Styles Of Sugar Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cookie Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and choose plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
• Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Bars: Mix chocolate chips into the dough before baking, creating a rich and indulgent variation with colorful sprinkle accents.
• Lemon Zest Funfetti Bars: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweet sprinkle topping.

Perfect Pairings For Sugar Cookie Bars

• Creamy Milk Match: Whole cold milk creates a classic, nostalgic companion that balances the sugary frosting and enhances the cookie's rich buttery texture.
• Espresso Elegance: A smooth cappuccino or light roast espresso cuts through the sweetness, providing a sophisticated contrast to the colorful sprinkled dessert.
• Fruity Fizz Fusion: Sparkling raspberry or strawberry soda adds a playful, effervescent touch that complements the festive rainbow sprinkles and brings youthful energy to the dessert experience.
• Vanilla Chai Charm: A warm, spiced chai latte with vanilla notes creates a comforting embrace that softens the cookie's sugary profile and adds depth to each delightful bite.

How To Store Sugar Cookie Bars The Easy Way

• Store frosted cookie bars in a sealed container at the bottom of the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain frosting integrity.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars in a covered container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent frosting melting.
• Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to restore softness. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor.

Questions About Sugar Cookie Bars

• Are these cookie bars suitable for kids' parties?

Yes, these colorful sprinkle sugar cookie bars are perfect for children’s celebrations, school events, and birthday parties. Kids love the bright rainbow sprinkles and sweet frosting.

• Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture and consistency.

• How do I prevent my cookie bars from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix the dough and avoid overbaking. Watch the bars closely around the 20-minute mark and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet moments of pure delight shine through these sugar cookie bars, blending classic comfort with irresistible charm. Buttery, golden edges and a perfectly tender center invite you to savor each delectable bite of homemade happiness.

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Ingredients

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Cookie Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorations:

• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth, uniform layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
8. For the frosting, whip softened butter in a clean mixing bowl until creamy and smooth.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Immediately sprinkle rainbow sprinkles across the frosted surface for a vibrant, festive finish.
12. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang.
13. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature, enjoying the soft, sweet treat.

Notes

• Softening butter perfectly means leaving it at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, ensuring smooth and creamy mixing without melting.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense bars by stopping when ingredients are just combined and no flour streaks remain.
• Customize the recipe by swapping vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for unique flavor variations that complement different occasions.
• Use gel food coloring in frosting for more vibrant, concentrated colors that won’t alter the frosting’s consistency compared to liquid food coloring.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg