Name: Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 3 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 1/2 cup); 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; A splash of milk (optional, for thinning); Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)

3 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

2 cups powdered sugar

Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.

Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing continuously.

Step 3: Add the egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until combined.

Step 4: Turn off the mixer and sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly over the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the dough.

Step 6: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly with your fingers to form a flat layer.

Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a clean mixer bowl for 1 minute until fluffy. Add 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Step 9: Slowly add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low until smooth. Add a splash of milk if the frosting needs thinning.

Step 10: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate with candy hearts or sprinkles as desired.

Step 11: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

For an extra buttery flavor, use European-style butter if available.

Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough for a subtle nutty twist.

Swap candy hearts for colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts depending on the occasion.

Chill the frosting for a few minutes before spreading if it feels too soft.

Storage

Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost after thawing if desired.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple buttercream or powdered sugar glaze. However, the cream cheese adds a nice tangy balance to the sweetness.

How do I prevent the cookie bars from spreading too much?

Make sure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Use softened butter instead of melted, and pressing the dough firmly into the pan helps keep the edges defined during baking.