Description
Soft, chewy, and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a thick, sweet vanilla frosting. This simple dessert comes together in about 15 minutes of active prep time and is perfect for last-minute gatherings or bake sales.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Transfer dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into the corners using wet hands or a spatula.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes.
- While bars cool, beat ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Beat on low until combined, then high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting evenly over the warm (not hot) bars. Let cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes, to allow frosting to set.
- Use the parchment sling to lift bars out of the pan and slice into squares.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture. Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough bars. The bars are best when frosted while warm but not hot. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 i
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 3
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, vanilla frosting, easy dessert, 15 minute dessert, bake sale, make ahead dessert, cookie bars