Are you craving a treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly tasty? Look no further than Sugar Cookie Bars! This is a great, easy alternative to making regular sugar cookies, perfect for feeding groups or last minute after school yummies.
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These sugar cookie bars are the perfect treat for all your sweet craving needs! They’re easy to make, deliciously chewy, and perfect for any occasion. They’re perfect for taking to potlucks, picnics, or as a gift for a friend. Just cut them into squares, pack them in a container, and you’re good to go!
You know I love nothing more than special sugar cookies that are made even fancier with gorgeous decorations, but sometimes a simple 1-pan cookie substitute is all you need.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & simple: Making sugar cookie bars is often easier and quicker than rolling and cutting individual cookies. Plus, you get more uniform pieces.
- Classic flavor: The flavor is subtly sweet and buttery, which appeals to a wide range of taste buds without being overpowering.
- Customized decorations: You can easily customize them with frosting, sprinkles, or even mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit, making them versatile for different occasions.
Recipe Ingredients
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream - Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream.
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Classic vanilla buttercream
- Sprinkles or other desired toppings - optional
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
How To Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and beat to combine for around 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add the sour cream and vanilla and combine.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the top of the ingredients.
Step 4: mix on low until completely combined.
Step 5: Spread the dough evenly in the buttered pan and bake for 16-20 minutes until it is set but still light in color.
Step 6: Cool completely before topping with frosting and sprinkles. Cut into bars and serve.
Recipe FAQs
If you find yourself with an excess of sugar cookie bars or want to prep in advance, freezing is the way to go. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three months.
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt. It will provide similar tanginess and moisture to the bars.
Sugar cookie bars often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Sugar cookie bars are a thicker, denser version of sugar cookies baked in a pan and cut into squares or bars. This method is more convenient than rolling and cutting individual cookies and often results in a softer, chewier texture due to the increased thickness.
Expert Tips
- Mix Up the Toppings: Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a festive touch.
- Your Choice of Frosting: If you're not a fan of buttercream, you can always make a whipped cream cheese frosting to go on top!
- Egg Tips: Use large eggs, and make sure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
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Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 recipe classic vanilla butter cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter the bottom and sides of a jelly roll pan (half sheet pan) which is 11x15 inches.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer (paddle attachment on) whip the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and beat to combine, around 30 seconds. Add the sour cream and vanilla and combine. Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the top of the ingredient in the bowl and then mix on low until completely combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the buttered pan and then bake for 16-20 minutes until the dough is set but still light in color.
- Allow the dough to cool completely before topping with frosting and sprinkles. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- I love a traditional vanilla buttercream for this recipe, but they are also great with chocolate frosting on them too!
- Sometimes I'll stir in ½ cup sprinkles to the batter before baking for that funfetti look; it's very cute.
- You can use any kind of sprinkles or decorating ideas that you like or have on hand. The sprinkles are an easy way to make this dessert festive and fit the holiday or theme.
- Use large eggs, and make sure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
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