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

→ Vanilla 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)

# Step-by-step:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Add sprinkles if using.
11 - Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 24 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is somewhere between a cookie and a piece of cake, which means you get the best of both worlds in every single bite
  • These bars travel beautifully and do not break or crumble like individual cookies, making them perfect for parties and potlucks
02 -
  • Pressing the dough into the pan with your hands gives you the most even thickness, which means all the bars bake at the same rate
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting or your beautiful frosting will melt right off into a puddle
03 -
  • Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots
  • Use an offset spatula for the smoothest, most professional-looking frosting layer

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