The Best Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars with creamy vanilla frosting, perfect for parties and holidays.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Bars

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

→ Frosting

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more as needed
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 a slight overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using clean hands or a spatula.
07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake.
08 - Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy; adjust milk if needed for a spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 24 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They have that perfect tender crumb that melts in your mouth
  • The frosting-to-cookie ratio is basically unmatched
  • No rolling pin or cookie cutter required, just press and bake
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy, check at 18 minutes and pull them when the center just looks set
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating and ensure even baking
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour for consistent results every time
  • Chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing to get perfectly clean edges

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