why make this recipe
This Sugar Cookie Bars recipe is quick and easy. It gives you soft, sweet bars that taste like classic sugar cookies without the fuss of rolling dough. If you need a simple treat for a bake sale or a weeknight dessert, this works well. For another take on similar bars, check this sugar cookie bars page.
introduction
These bars use simple pantry ingredients. You mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt. The dough spreads in a pan and bakes in about 20–25 minutes. Kids and adults both like them. They hold their shape and cut well for parties. You can frost or leave plain.
how to make Sugar Cookie Bars
Follow the steps below. Read all directions before you start.
Ingredients :
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until blended.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
how to serve Sugar Cookie Bars
Cut the cooled bars into squares. Serve plain or top with a simple glaze or frosting. Add sprinkles for holidays or small gatherings. They pair well with milk, coffee, or tea.
how to store Sugar Cookie Bars
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature.
tips to make Sugar Cookie Bars
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
- Do not overbake; remove when edges are light gold.
- Press dough evenly in the pan for uniform bars.
- Let bars fully cool before cutting to get clean pieces.
- For a softer bar, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes. For firmer, bake a bit longer.
- For more cookie ideas, try these butter cookies.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before spreading.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract with the vanilla for a different flavor.
- Top with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) or buttercream frosting.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, skip or reduce the added salt.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check texture; you may need slightly less or more flour.
Q: How thick should the dough be in the pan?
A: Spread it to fill the pan evenly, about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. This gives nice bar size when cut.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use two pans and bake the same time, or bake one pan at a time.
Conclusion
If you want a frosted version with more sweetness and color, see this Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars – Broma Bakery for ideas and a different finish.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9'x13' inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until blended.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.