Description
Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars baked in a single pan and topped with a smooth creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. These easy bars deliver the classic flavor of sugar cookies without the extra work of rolling and cutting dough.
Ingredients
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
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 to 3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Food coloring, optional
Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until blended and smooth.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
You can skip the almond extract for a classic vanilla flavor.
Tint the frosting with food coloring to match holidays or party themes.
Swap almond extract for lemon extract for a brighter flavor variation.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to keep the frosting neat.
For freezing, wrap unfrosted bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
