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Easy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars for Any Celebration

A close-up of a square slice of soft sugar cookie bars topped with thick white frosting and colorful sprinkles.
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Make the classic flavor of cut-out sugar cookies without the fuss. These soft, chewy bars bake evenly in a pan and are topped with a simple vanilla frosting, making them perfect for holidays, bake sales, or family treats.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • For the Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk
  • Optional: Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps keep the bars soft.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Cooling fully prevents the frosting from melting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Immediately top with sprinkles, if using.
  11. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For extra chewy sugar cookie bars, slightly underbake them by about two minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
  • If you want a tangier frosting, substitute 1 tablespoon of the milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice in the frosting recipe.
  • This recipe is excellent for making ahead. Store frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/sugar-cookie-bars-easy-frosted-recipe/