Description
Sweet and buttery sugar cookie bars promise pure comfort with their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with nostalgic warmth, inviting you to savor each delightful, crumbly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decorating/Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a uniform layer.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly soft.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 45 minutes.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth, adding food coloring if desired.
- Lift the cooled cookie bars out using parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board.
- Drizzle glaze over the bars and immediately sprinkle with decorative sprinkles if using.
- Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before spreading in the pan to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges during baking.
- Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, ensuring texture remains soft and tender.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without thinning the glaze, creating stunning visual appeal with minimal effort.
- Line pan with extra parchment paper overhang for effortless bar removal and clean, precise cutting without crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg