Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)
Soft, buttery bars with creamy frosting—ready in 40 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Bars Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Creamy Frosting
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Food coloring, optional
14 - Sprinkles, optional
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Take care not to overmix the dough.
06 - Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly across the bottom using your hands or a spatula.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Mix in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Add food coloring if desired and beat until uniform in color.
10 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles if using. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice into 24 squares.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Soft, pillowy centers with just the right hint of crisp edges
- Frosting that transforms a simple bar into something celebration worthy
- Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup required
02 -
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt into a sad puddle and you will be very disappointed
- Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly and prevent the dough from separating or becoming greasy
03 -
- Sift your powdered sugar before making the frosting to avoid any lumps that will never fully mix in no matter how long you beat it
- The parchment paper overhang is not optional unless you enjoy trying to pry stuck bars out of a pan while silently regretting your life choices