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An extreme close-up shot of a soft and chewy sugar cookie bar, showing its tender crumb and thick layer of frosting.
FL Recipes

Sugar Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Soft and Chewy Recipe

The easiest, most delicious soft and chewy Sugar Cookie Bars you'll ever make. This simple, no-chill recipe creates a buttery vanilla cookie base topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Sugar Cookie Bars
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles for decorating

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • 1 Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
  4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Press the thick dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  6. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed. Increase to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Mix in the vanilla and 2 tablespoons of cream. Add more cream as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  7. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled bars. Top with sprinkles. Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalProtein: 2gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the softest texture, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you begin.
Do Not Overbake: The bars will look slightly underdone in the center, which is perfect for a chewy final product.
Cool Completely: Don't rush to frost! Warm bars will cause the frosting to melt.
Keyword easy dessert,frosted sugar cookies,sugar cookie bars

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