Description
Irresistible frosted sugar cookie bars combine classic bakery sweetness with homemade comfort. Creamy frosting and tender cookie base create a delightful dessert you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
Leavening Agents:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13-inch dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a light texture.
- Introduce egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, fragrant base.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for a set center and light golden edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, which helps achieve the perfect bar texture.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter and powdered sugar until achieving a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Incorporate milk and vanilla into the frosting, mixing until light and spreadable.
- Once the cookie base has cooled, generously spread the frosting across the entire surface.
- Enhance the presentation by adding food coloring to the frosting and sprinkling decorative toppings.
- Slice into uniform bars and serve at room temperature for the ultimate sweet treat.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookie bars that lose their tender texture.
- Experiment with extract variations like lemon or coconut to create unique flavor profiles matching different occasions or personal preferences.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting colors without changing the consistency of the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 121 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg