Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candy Decorations Recipe
These Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the delightful softness of classic sugar cookies baked in a convenient bar form with a rich, creamy whipped cream cheese frosting. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and adorned with festive candy hearts or sprinkles, these bars are perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, tender treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess parchment hangs over two sides for easy removal later.
- Make the cookie dough: In a mini stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened butter and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds to fluff it. Gradually pour in the granulated sugar while mixing to incorporate. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined. Turn off the mixer and evenly sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt on top of the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer to low and mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, forming the dough.
- Shape and bake: Scoop the cookie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers to press and flatten the dough evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs remaining. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare frosting: In a clean mini stand mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter and whipped cream cheese for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. With the mixer on low, gradually add the powdered sugar in half-cup increments, mixing thoroughly after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, add a small splash of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and decorate: Once the cookie bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with candy hearts or sprinkles as desired. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into serving-sized squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. European-style butter works excellently due to its higher fat content, but standard unsalted butter is perfectly fine. One stick is used for the cookie base and an additional half-stick for the frosting.
- Salt: The measured 1/4 teaspoon salt is essential to balance the sweetness in the cookie dough and enhance overall flavor.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: Using whipped cream cheese in the frosting creates a smooth and creamy texture that is slightly lighter than regular cream cheese, making the frosting delectable without being too dense.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as overmixing can toughen the cookies.
- Baking: Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
