If you’ve been searching for the ultimate sweet treat to satisfy your cookie cravings, look no further than this Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of a single, easy-to-cut pan, making them perfect for everything from afternoon snacks to holiday parties. With a pillowy soft texture under a layer of creamy frosting, each bite is an absolute delight. Whether you’ve baked sugar cookies a thousand times or are trying something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for sharing magic with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to create these scrumptious bars. Each one plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and flavor that makes this Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings rich creaminess and tenderness to the cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds necessary sweetness and helps with achieving a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and gives structure without drying out the bars.
- Sour cream (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing softness and flavor depth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, comforting aroma and enhances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Forms the bulk of the dough, ensuring the right crumb.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift for softness without puffiness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): The foundation for creamy frosting with a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream or milk (2 tablespoons): Lightens and smooths the frosting for easy spreading.
- Food coloring (optional): Adds a fun pop of color to personalize your frosting.
- Sprinkles (optional): Brings a festive and playful touch to the finished bars.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This step ensures that your cookie bars will bake evenly and release effortlessly once cooled.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating a tender texture in the final bars that feels like a dream with every bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. These liquid ingredients bring moisture, tenderness, and a depth of flavor, laying the perfect foundation for your soft sugar cookie bars.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the delicate texture that sets these bars apart.
Step 6: Press Dough into Pan and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, watching closely—the edges should be lightly golden while the center is set but still soft. Overbaking can toughen the bars, so pulling them out just at the right moment is key.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because frosting warm bars can cause melting and mess. Patience here leads to beautiful, smooth frosting that stays put.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and silky smooth. If you want a splash of color, this is the perfect time to stir in your favorite food coloring.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired to make these bars popping and ready for any celebration or simple indulgence.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the frosting and sprinkles already make these bars look festive, try finishing touches like edible glitter, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair. These little accents not only boost presentation but also add different textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
Soft Sugar Cookie Bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The creamy frost and tender crumb balance wonderfully with warm beverages or cold, creamy sides, making for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, arrange cookie bars in decorative boxes or wrap them individually with cellophane and ribbons. You can also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters after baking or add layers by sandwiching frosting in between two cookie bar layers for a twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor, making them just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bars unfrosted or frosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookie bars warm, give them a few seconds in the microwave—just 10 to 15 seconds does the trick to soften the frosting and warm the crumb, creating a cozy treat any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?
While margarine can be substituted, using unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Butter provides richness and a lovely tenderness that margarine often lacks.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will maintain the moistness and tanginess needed to keep the bars soft.
How thick should I press the dough into the pan?
The dough should be evenly spread to about ½ to ¾ inch thick. This thickness ensures the bars bake through properly without becoming too dense or crumbly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that’s designed to replace regular flour cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Do I have to frost these cookie bars?
Frosting adds a delicious layer of sweetness and creaminess, but the bars are tasty on their own too. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, simply dust with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of soft, buttery dough and fluffy sweet frosting that makes this Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Simple ingredients come together quickly to create a dessert that feels lovingly homemade yet impressive enough for any occasion. I encourage you to bake a batch, share them with your favorite people, and watch these bars become a cherished classic in your recipe collection. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into easy-to-cut bars and topped with creamy vanilla frosting. Perfectly soft and tender, these cookie bars combine a rich buttery dough with a fluffy, sweet frosting that can be customized with food coloring and sprinkles for a festive touch. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a simple homemade dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, making sure the surface is smooth and uniform in thickness for even baking.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it is fluffy and smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive look.
- Serve: Cut into 24 squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
- For an extra soft texture, avoid overbaking the cookie bars; the center should be just set.
- These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can customize the frosting with different food coloring to suit any occasion.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
