Description
Soft, chewy sugar cookie bars baked in a single pan and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. This easy dessert requires no rolling and is perfect for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened for frosting
- 3–4 cups (360-480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- Pinch of salt for frosting
- Optional: Sprinkles, edible glitter, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes with a mixer).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set but slightly soft.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour or overnight).
- While bars cool, beat frosting butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream, alternating, until desired consistency is reached. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and pinch of salt. Beat on high until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Let frosting set for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper emulsion. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars. Bars continue to cook slightly after removal from oven, so remove when center is still slightly soft. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if humid. For freezing, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, chewy cookies, vanilla frosting, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, homemade cookies, bar cookies