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Soft and Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Soft and Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Thick, tender sugar cookie bars baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan and topped with smooth American buttercream. This colorful dessert makes about 24 shareable squares.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Bars
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (300-315 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Frosting
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (225-240 g) Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons Milk or heavy cream
  • A few drops Food coloring, optional
  • As desired Sprinkles, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  2. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
  4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing only until combined.
  5. Press or spread the thick dough evenly into the prepared pan using lightly greased hands or parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the top is set and the edges are very lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan.
  7. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat in the vanilla and enough milk or cream to make a smooth, spreadable frosting.
  8. Tint the frosting if desired, spread it over the cooled bars, add sprinkles, and cut into squares.

Notes

Do not overbake. The bars should still look slightly pale and soft in the center when removed from the oven. Cool completely before frosting so the buttercream does not melt.