Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft, buttery bars topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for parties and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Base

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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
06 - Transfer dough to prepared pan and press evenly across the bottom using your hands or a spatula, creating a uniform layer.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan before frosting.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, beating until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Mix in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Add food coloring if desired and beat until uniform color is achieved.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over completely cooled cookie bars. Top with sprinkles immediately if using, before frosting sets.
11 - Using parchment paper overhang, lift bars from pan. Cut into 24 equal squares and serve immediately or store in airtight container.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Soft, buttery cookie base that stays tender for days unlike traditional cutout cookies that can dry out
  • The bar format means no rolling, no cookie cutters, and no waiting between batches in the oven
  • Frosting covers the entire surface so every bite has that perfect sweet creamy balance
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy here pull them out when the center looks just barely set and they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the butter in your frosting will melt and slide right off the warm cookies
  • Room temperature ingredients matter if your butter is too cold it will not cream properly and the texture will be dense
03 -
  • For extra flavor add lemon or orange zest to the dough or almond extract to the frosting for a completely different twist
  • If you want taller bars use an 8x8 inch pan and increase baking time by 3 to 4 minutes

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