Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, buttery bars with creamy vanilla frosting—ideal for celebrations and sweet cravings.

# What You Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vanilla Frosting

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

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center remains soft.
07 - Allow bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Blend in powdered sugar, then add milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Add sprinkles if using. Lift from pan using parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cookie base stays incredibly soft for days, thanks to the higher butter ratio
  • You get the flavor of frosted sugar cookies without the tedious rolling and cutting
  • The recipe doubles beautifully for large gatherings without any extra effort
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy, check at 18 minutes since they continue cooking in the hot pan
  • Let these cool completely before frosting or your frosting will melt right off
  • The dough will be thick, which is normal and necessary for that bar texture
03 -
  • Warm your knife in hot water and dry it between cuts for perfectly clean edges
  • If your frosting is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it spreads easily

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