Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
These Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, offering all the buttery sweetness you love with far less fuss. Instead of rolling out individual cookies, this recipe lets you press the dough into a baking sheet for quick, even baking. With a rich, creamy buttercream frosting on top, these bars are perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. They’re tender, soft, and just a little bit tangy from the cream cheese in the dough, creating a balanced flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they store well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them all week—or freeze extras for a ready-to-go dessert. Add sprinkles to make them festive, or try them with chocolate frosting for a delicious twist!
Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup butter , softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Cookie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 23-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the shortening and continue mixing until creamy.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add enough milk or cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting over the top. Add sprinkles if desired.