Name: Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt

What are Sugar Cookie Bars? You know how sometimes you just *crave* a sugar cookie, but the thought of chilling dough, rolling, and rolling is mind blowing. What is it like to cut out shapes? Where do these bars come in? Think of them as sugar cookie’s chill cousin – all the delicious flavor, none of the fuss. What is the easiest thing to do? Is it better to bake cookies with sugar instead of regular cookies? Chewier, softer, and that glaze…oh, That glaze! Is this recipe for sugar cookie bars a lifesaver?

What is sugar cookie bar?

What do sugar cookie bars look like? What are the best ways to bake a bar? What are some of the best sugar cookies? What is shareable form Think of it as a cross between cookie and cake, with tangy glaze drizzled on top. What is the perfect dessert for when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it. How many hours do you spend in the kitchen? Is it true that kids love them?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? First of all, the *flavor*! It’s that classic sugar cookie taste we all know and love – sweet, buttery, with a hint of vanilla. But the texture is where it really shines. They’re so soft and chewy, almost melt-in-your-mouth good. And the glaze? It adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang to balance everything out.

But beyond the amazing taste, the *simplicity* is what really sold me on this recipe. It’s seriously easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the ingredient list is pretty basic. I swear, even a baking newbie could pull this off!

And let’s not forget about *cost-efficiency*. This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so you don’t have to break the bank to make a delicious dessert. It’s perfect for when you need to whip something up on a budget.

Finally, the *versatility* is a huge plus. You can customize the glaze with different extracts or sprinkles to make it your own. I’ve even added chocolate chips to the batter before! And they’re great warm or cold, making them perfect for any time of day.

What I love most about this is how quick it is. We all have those nights where we just need a treat, and these are so much faster than baking individual cookies! If you like classic sugar cookies or even blondies, you will find these Sugar Cookie Bars are easy to make and even easier to eat!

How do I make sugar cookie bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make sugar cookie bars? How do you whisk together dry ingredients, cream together wet ingredients and combine. What is the best way to spread the batter in a baking pan? Bake it until golden brown, let it cool, drizzle with a simple glaze, and slice into bars. Is it that easy to make this recipe? Don’t worry about getting everything perfect – they’ll still taste amazing. I promise!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted! What is the right texture?
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture.
* 2 large eggs – Adds richness and binds the ingredients together. Use room temperature eggs for best results.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds so much flavor.
* 3 cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached all purpose flour.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
* ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar – Sift it for a smoother glaze!
* 14 cup milk – You can use any kind of milk. I’ve even used almond milk and it works great.
* 12 teaspoon vanilla extract – Again, don’t skip the vanilla!

How do I get

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always do this when I feel like I have to remove a piece of parchment paper. I can do that as well.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to whisk baking powder and salt together? Is it true that the bars rise properly? Don’t just dump everything in and stir!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but you can definitely do it by hand with a little elbow grease! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is truly softened, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in tough bars. Just mix until the flour disappears. A few streaks are okay!

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown. Keep an eye on them – every oven is different!

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important! If you frost them while they’re still warm, the glaze will melt and run everywhere. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the bars are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk. If you want a thinner glaze, use more.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Cut the bars into squares and serve. What are some good cold-cooked chicken breasts to serve at room temperature? Can you slice them into any size you want? I usually cut them into about 24 bars, but you can make them bigger or smaller depending on your machine.

What should I serve it with?

Sugar Cookie Bars are so versatile that you can serve them with almost anything!For Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day. They’re especially good with a latte! I like to cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a plate with some fresh fruit.

For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch bars to serve alongside other breakfast dishes? What do you think of tiered serving tray? A glass of orange juice or a mimosa is the perfect accompaniment.As Dessert:Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate? I love to sprinkle them with some extra sprinkles for a festive touch.For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them as a cozy snack on a rainy day with a warm blanket and a good book. They’re the perfect comfort food! I like to pair them with a mug of herbal tea or a glass of sparkling cider.

My family loves to eat these bars with a side of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the bars perfectly. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sugar Cookie Bars

How do I make sugar cookie bars? I’ve made these countless times, and I have learned a few things along the way!Butter Softening: The softened butter is a KEY element! The best way to soften it is to leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you start baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it! It needs to be soft, but not melted.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough bars. Just mix until the flour disappears. A few streaks are okay!

Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute vanilla extract with other extracts, such as almond extract or lemon extract? Can you add chocolate chips to the batter?Baking Tips:What is the best way to keep an eye on the bars while they are baking? When the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out, the bars are done.Glaze Variations:Can you customize the glaze by adding different extracts, food coloring, or sprinkles? Can you make a chocolate glaze by mixing cocoa powder and sugar?Sugar Substitutions: While I haven’t tried all the options, I have used brown sugar instead of white in a pinch and I liked the result! It does change the flavor somewhat, giving it a slightly caramel-y taste.

One thing I learned the hard way is to make sure you really grease the pan well! The first time I made these, I didn’t grease the pan enough, and the bars stuck to the bottom. It was a disaster! Now, I always grease and flour the pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later.

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay soft and chewy.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They may become a little firmer, but they will still taste great.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze the bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy. If you’ve already glazed the bars, they can still be stored, but the glaze may become a little sticky.

I always like to make a big batch of these bars and freeze some for later. They’re perfect for when I need a quick and easy dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the bars from becoming crumbly. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the batter, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture. Start with a tablespoon of milk and add more as needed until the batter reaches the right consistency.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t have zucchini, but if we were talking about a zucchini bread bar or something else, most of the time, no, you don’t need to peel it! The peel is perfectly edible and adds a nice bit of texture and color to the bars. However, if you’re using a very large zucchini with a tough skin, you may want to peel it. It’s really a matter of personal preference.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

I haven’t tried this with this particular recipe, but in general if you were adapting something similar, yes, you could probably make them into muffins! Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full and bake for a shorter amount of time, around 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as the baking time will vary depending on the size of your muffin cups.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you find the bars too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and see if that’s enough. You can also use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, in place of the granulated sugar. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the bars slightly. You can also reduce the sweetness of the glaze by using less powdered sugar or adding a squeeze of lemon juice.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you don’t want to use a glaze, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with sprinkles. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. Or, you can simply leave them plain! They’re delicious even without any topping.

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a baking game-changer. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. What’s not to love? If you’re looking for a simple dessert that will impress your friends and family, this is it. The chewy texture, the sweet vanilla flavor, and that tangy glaze…it’s a winning combination every time.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie bar recipes, like my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or my Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. They’re all just as easy and delicious!

Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!