Description
These Sugar Cookie Bars feature a buttery, soft cookie base topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a delightful treat or dessert. The recipe combines classic sugar cookie flavors with a luscious frosting for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–5 tablespoons milk
- 2–3 drops liquid food coloring (optional)
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup softened salted butter, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 large egg on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Add Extracts: Mix in 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating for another minute until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda until well blended.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed first. Then increase to medium speed and mix for about 2 minutes until a soft dough forms.
- Press Dough: Evenly press the dough into an ungreased jelly roll pan approximately 18×13 inches in size.
- Bake: Bake the cookie base for 20 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then allow the cookie base to fully cool in the pan.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl or stand mixer, beat together 1/2 cup softened salted butter, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Milk: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar to the frosting mixture. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin the frosting to a smooth and spreadable consistency. If desired, add 2-3 drops of liquid food coloring and mix until color is even.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle with sprinkles if using. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure both butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother batter.
- Do not grease the jelly roll pan as the dough is rich enough to prevent sticking, which helps achieve a crisp bottom.
- For thicker bars, use a smaller pan or reduce dough thickness accordingly.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Optional food coloring and sprinkles make these bars festive for holidays or celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Bar Cookies, Easy Dessert, Sugar Cookies
