Description
Scrumptious frosted sugar cookie bars deliver classic bakery comfort with homemade charm. Rich vanilla notes and creamy frosting create irresistible sweet satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting and Decorations:
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly coating with cooking spray and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
- Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until light and airy, creating a pale, fluffy texture.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then blend in almond and vanilla extracts for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using gentle pressing and smoothing techniques to create an even layer across the surface.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 18-22 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly firm center.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour, ensuring a stable base for frosting.
- Craft the frosting by whisking powdered sugar, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and milk until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Generously spread the frosting across the cooled bars, creating a smooth, even layer that covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle colorful decorative sprinkles over the frosting for a festive, playful finish.
- Slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for precise edges.
Notes
- Swap butter for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.
- Experiment with different extract flavors like almond or lemon to create unique taste variations that keep the recipe exciting and personalized.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the soft, tender texture of the sugar cookie bars.
- Reduce sugar content by 25% and replace with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option that still maintains delicious sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg