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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars frosted with a sweet, fluffy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie base
  • 2.5 cups All-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Gives a gentle lift
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened Richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • 1.5 cups Granulated sugar For sweetness and a slight crisp
  • 2 large Large eggs Binding and tenderness
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract For flavor
For the frosting
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar Sift to avoid lumps
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, softened For the frosting base
  • 1 tablespoon Milk or heavy cream Thins frosting to spreadable silk
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract For flavor
  • Sprinkles or finishing sugar Optional, for festive sparkle

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into the corners.
Baking
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  2. Let the bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then loosen the overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting and Finishing
  1. Beat the powdered sugar with softened butter, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla until spreadable.
  2. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, add sprinkles if desired, and chill for 20 minutes to set.
  3. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

For a nutty flavor, brown the butter before mixing. Use a lemon glaze for a lighter frosting option. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.