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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually fold in flour and salt, mixing until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- For the frosting, whip softened butter in a clean mixing bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Immediately sprinkle rainbow sprinkles across the frosted surface for a vibrant, festive finish.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang.
- 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