Soft Buttery Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, buttery bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for celebrations and sweet cravings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookie Bars

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

→ Creamy 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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Cool completely.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Alternate adding powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
08 - Blend in vanilla extract and salt. Add food coloring if desired.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using. Lift from pan using parchment overhang and slice into 24 squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dough presses into one pan so no rolling pin or cookie cutters needed
  • The frosting-to-cookie ratio is basically perfect in every single bite
02 -
  • Overbaking creates dry bars, so pull them from the oven when the center still looks slightly underdone
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from seizing up and becoming impossible to spread
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan if it feels too sticky to work with
  • Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, fresh twist that cuts through the sweetness

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