Description
Easy-to-make, chewy-soft sugar cookie bars baked in a pan and topped with a thick, creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick sweet treat without the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups (500g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for frosting)
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
- Optional: Gel food coloring and sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until the flour disappears; do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, pressing into corners.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set but slightly soft.
- Let the squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).
- While cooling, make the frosting: Beat ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Add sifted confectioners’ sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Beat on low until combined, then high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired spreadable consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled squares using an offset spatula.
- Add sprinkles if desired. Let frosting set for 15 minutes, then slice into 24 squares.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid tough squares. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Ensure squares are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 2
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, soft frosted cookies, easy dessert, party snacks, vanilla frosting, bake sale recipes, no rolling cookies