Soft Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable)

Soft, buttery cookie bars with creamy vanilla frosting, perfect for parties and bake sales.

# What You Need:

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature

04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

05 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

10 - 2 tablespoons milk

11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

12 - Food coloring (optional)

13 - Sprinkles (optional)

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

02 - In a large bowl, beat together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

03 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

06 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Use spatula to smooth the top.

07 - Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden but center is still soft. Avoid overbaking.

08 - Let bars cool completely in pan on wire rack.

09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in milk and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

10 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles if using.

11 - Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

01 -

They are impossibly soft and buttery, with that perfect sugar cookie flavor you crave
Much faster than scooping individual cookies, and they feed a crowd effortlessly

02 -

Overbaking is the enemy here, pull them out when the center still looks slightly soft
Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for that uniform, smooth texture

03 -