Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft, buttery bars with creamy vanilla frosting. Easy pan dessert ready in 40 minutes, yields 24 squares.

# 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

→ Creamy Frosting

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 - Pinch of salt
13 - Food coloring (optional)
14 - Sprinkles (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly press dough into prepared baking pan.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Cool completely in pan.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift bars from pan using parchment paper overhang. Cut into 24 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The soft, pillowy texture melts in your mouth like a warm hug
  • Frosting them takes half the time of decorating individual cookies
  • They travel beautifully and stay fresh for days
02 -
  • Overbaking by even 2 minutes will make these bars dry instead of soft
  • Pressing the dough into the pan with the back of a measuring cup ensures even thickness
  • The parchment overhang is essential for lifting the bars out cleanly
03 -
  • Toast the flour in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes if you want a deeper, nuttier flavor
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan for cleaner edges

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