Delicious Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Sugar cookie bars are a simple, sweet treat that combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar format. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick snack, these bars are easy to make and deliciously buttery.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- You can sprinkle the top with coarse sugar before baking for a slight crunch.
- Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun twist.
Storage
Store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To enjoy, warm slightly in the microwave for a soft and fresh taste.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe since salted butter contains salt already.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
Be careful not to overbake; remove the bars as soon as the edges turn golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
PrintDelicious Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple and delicious twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into a convenient bar form that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or dessert. Featuring a buttery, sweet dough with vanilla aroma, they bake to a golden perfection with a soft, chewy texture inside and a slightly crisp crust on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Transfer the dough into the pan and press it evenly across the bottom using your hands or the back of a spatula, ensuring a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookie bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into desired-sized squares or bars for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a slight crunch.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft, chewy texture.
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, easy cookie bars, vanilla cookie bars, baked cookie bars, dessert bars, soft sugar cookies
