Sugar Cookie Bars

INTRODUCTION

Sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat that combines the softness of sugar cookies with the ease of baking in a single pan. Instead of rolling out dough and cutting shapes, you can simply spread the cookie batter into a baking dish, bake, and frost. These bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet snack at home. Their sweet taste and festive look make them enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love sugar cookie bars. First, they are easy to make. There’s no complicated technique involved; just mix and bake! Second, they have a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The buttery flavor is enhanced with vanilla and a hint of almond extract, making them delicious. You can also decorate them with frosting and sprinkles, which adds to their fun presentation. They are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where something sweet is needed. Plus, they are a great way to spend some quality time with family or friends while baking together.

HOW TO MAKE Sugar Cookie Bars

Making sugar cookie bars is simple and straightforward. You will start by gathering ingredients and following the steps carefully. Below, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to help you create these delicious bars.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make sugar cookie bars, you will need the following equipment:

• 13 by 9 inch baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 to 3 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Few drops of food coloring, optional
• Sprinkles, optional

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, butter a 13 by 9 inch baking sheet to prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of room-temperature butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until well blended. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to fully combine the ingredients.
4. Add each egg one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture. Remember to scrape down the bowl again. Next, mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. This will add flavor to your bars.
5. Now, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix everything together just until you see no flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Spread the cookie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. You can use greased hands to press it down evenly.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 14 to 16 minutes. The cookie bars should be puffy and just baked through. Don’t overbake them!
8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 90 minutes or if you’re in a hurry, around 60 minutes if you place them in the fridge.
9. While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, blend together 2 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of room-temperature butter, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is pale and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of heavy cream until it reaches the desired consistency.
10. Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can also add sprinkles if you wish to make them look festive.
11. Keep the bars covered with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

HOW TO SERVE Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar cookie bars can be served in various ways. Cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. You can offer them as a dessert after meals, a sweet snack during the day, or as a fun treat at parties. They look wonderful on a dessert table, and kids love them because they’re colorful and tasty. You may also serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee or tea for adults.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Sugar Cookie Bars

To store sugar cookie bars, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Cut the bars into squares, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These sugar cookie bars taste great on their own, but you can also enjoy them in different ways. Consider pairing them with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. You can crumble them over yogurt for a sweet breakfast or snack. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. You can also create a layered dessert by adding whipped cream and berries.

VARIATIONS

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:

1. Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 to 2 cups of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet and chocolatey twist.
2. Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Add the zest of one lemon and a bit of lemon juice to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
3. Nutty Sugar Cookie Bars: Stir in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and taste.
4. Spiced Sugar Cookie Bars: Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the texture may be denser.

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these sugar cookie bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

3. Can I make the frosting a day ahead?
Yes, you can make the frosting a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and mix again before spreading it on the bars.

4. How do I prevent the cookie bars from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to butter the baking sheet well before pouring in the batter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra protection.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sugar Cookie Bars

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Once mixed, the dough can be chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help enhance the flavors even more. When ready to bake, just bring the dough to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then spread it in the baking dish and bake as directed. The frosting can also be made a day prior, which saves you time on the day you plan to serve the bars. Enjoy your delicious sugar cookie bars!

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