Introduction

Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese frosting are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. Soft, buttery bars topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting make a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and sure to impress, these bars are a must-try dessert.

Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 ounces whipped cream cheese (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
Candy hearts or sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and line an 8×8-inch baking pan one-way with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
Step 4: Turn off the mixer and evenly sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the mixture.
Step 5: Turn the mixer on low and mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Step 6: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and press it flat evenly with your fingers.
Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully blended.
Step 10: If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars, decorate with candy hearts or sprinkles, and then slice into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and the frosting is creamy.
Substitute candy hearts with seasonal sprinkles or chopped nuts for a different look and texture.
For a lemony twist, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cookie batter and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to the frosting.
Make gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the bars (unfrosted or frosted) in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge for the frosting?

It’s best to use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure the frosting blends smoothly without lumps.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Start by adding powdered sugar gradually and only add milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Refrigerate the frosting if it becomes too soft.

Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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These Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, baked in a convenient bar form for easy serving. The soft, buttery cookie base is topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, decorated with festive candy hearts or sprinkles, making them perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any time.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

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

For the Cream Cheese 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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on one side for easy removal of the bars.
Prepare the cookie dough: In a mini stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat to combine well.
Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and continue beating until everything is well mixed.
Add dry ingredients: Turn off the mixer, then evenly sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Turn the mixer back on low and beat just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the dough.
Transfer to pan: Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and press it flat and even with your fingers to form the base of the bars.
Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Make the frosting: In a clean mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 1 minute until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
Add powdered sugar: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar one half-cup at a time until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it to spreading consistency.
Frost the bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookie bars evenly using a spatula or knife.
Decorate and serve: Sprinkle candy hearts or sprinkles on top as decoration, then use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

For easier removal, make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper with overhang on two sides.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and fluffy frosting.
The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you prefer a thinner frosting, add milk slowly and mix until desired consistency is achieved.
Feel free to substitute sprinkles or small candies to match seasonal themes or preferences.

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, easy cookie bars, holiday treats, baked desserts