Description
These soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet sugar cookie bars are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re crowned with a delightful cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Do not overbake.
- Let bars cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract, adding milk/cream if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled sugar cookie bars. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Cut into bars and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins