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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

Delight in these luscious Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and buttery cookie base topped with a rich, creamy vanilla frosting. Perfectly sweet and easy to slice, they make an excellent treat for gatherings, celebrations, or any time you crave a classic dessert bar.

Ingredients

Cookie Base

  • 1/4 cup (2 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Vanilla Frosting

  • 1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp (1 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup (140 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring a 2-inch overhang on at least two sides to allow easy lifting of the bars once baked. Set this aside.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Set aside for later.
  3. Mix wet ingredients for cookie base: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  5. Incorporate flour mixture: Add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, or just until everything is combined to form the cookie base dough.
  6. Shape and bake cookie base: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and gently spread it evenly to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn barely golden. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  7. Prepare vanilla frosting: With the paddle attachment on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the butter and continue beating for 2 minutes until fluffy and lump-free.
  8. Add powdered sugar and flavorings: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Then add the pinch of kosher salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. Beat everything together on high speed for 3 minutes to incorporate air and achieve a light, fluffy frosting. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  9. Frost and decorate bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the prepared vanilla frosting evenly over the bars. If desired, decorate with sprinkles or food coloring for a festive look.
  10. Slice and serve: Cut the frosted bars into 16 equal squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overbake the cookie bars; the center should be just set to keep the bars soft and tender.
  • Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and minimal mess.
  • Customize frosting with food coloring or sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
  • Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for best freshness, especially due to the cream cheese frosting.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/frosted-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/