Description
Sweet frosted sugar cookie bars bring classic bakery comfort to home kitchens. Buttery layers of delicate cookie topped with creamy frosting create simple dessert magic you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy texture.
- Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, blending until fully integrated.
- Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth, consistent dough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue across the surface, indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents frosting from melting.
- For frosting, whip butter until silky and soft, gradually incorporating powdered sugar for a creamy consistency.
- Add vanilla extract and cream, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable, velvety texture.
- Optional: Introduce food coloring for a personalized touch, blending until color is uniform.
- Generously spread frosting across the cooled cookie base, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle decorative toppings over the frosted surface for added visual appeal and texture.
- Once set, slice into neat squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust extract flavors by swapping almond extract with coconut or lemon extract for a unique twist.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie bar texture.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant frosting without changing the consistency.
- Chill the bars before cutting for cleaner, more precise square shapes and easier serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg