Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Sugar Cookie Bars combine the tender, buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar dessert. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (594g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature (for frosting)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (480g-600g), more or less depending on frosting thickness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×18-inch half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a 9×13-inch pan, you can cut the recipe in half.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spread and press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: Bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before frosting.
5. Step 5: For the cream cheese frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until the frosting reaches your desired thickness and sweetness. Adjust sugar amount as needed.
6. Step 6: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough or frosting.
• Use almond extract sparingly; it enhances the flavor but can be strong.
• If you prefer, decorate the bars with colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
• Make mini bars by baking in a smaller pan and cutting into bite-sized pieces.

Storage

Store the frosted sugar cookie bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, let the bars come to room temperature for better flavor and texture. The bars can also be frozen without frosting—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but results may vary. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture.

Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

These Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, baked in a single sheet pan for easy serving. They feature a soft, buttery cookie base flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime, these bars offer a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines tender texture with rich frosting.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (594g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4–5 cups powdered sugar (480g-600g), more or less depending on desired frosting thickness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×18-inch half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use a 9×13-inch pan by cutting the recipe in half.
2. Make the Cookie Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined. Spread and press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake the Bars: Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges begin to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, blending continuously until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your preferred thickness and taste.
6. Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
7. Storage: Store the sugar cookie bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Notes

• Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
• You can use 9×13-inch pan by halving the recipe; adjust baking time as needed.
• For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for a lighter frosting, use less.
• Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature to ensure smooth frosting.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert bars, sheet pan cookies, vanilla almond sugar cookies