Description
Delightful sugar cookie bars offer a sweet escape from traditional cookies, blending classic comfort with modern simplicity. Crisp edges and a tender center make these treats an irresistible indulgence you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
- 1 cup vanilla frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- If desired, sprinkle colorful jimmies or nonpareils across the surface of the dough for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into uniform squares.
- Optional: Decorate with vanilla frosting and additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, even creaming with sugar for a lighter texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cookie bars by gently folding dry ingredients until just combined.
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a perfectly smooth, even surface before baking for uniform cooking.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add an extra egg for binding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg