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sugar cookie bars
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Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft and chewy sugar cookie bars topped with vanilla frosting.
Prep Time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: sugar cookie bars
Servings: 24 small bars

Ingredients

Cookie Bar Dough:

  • 2 1/4 cups flour (310 g)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (15 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup room temperature butter (226 g) (2 sticks)
  • 3/4 cup white granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (60 g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Frosting:

  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (310 g)
  • 1/2 cup room temperature butter (113 g) (1 stick)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoon milk
  • food coloring (if desired)

Instructions

Make the Bars

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some extra to hang off the sides. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer or using a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars on medium speed (4) for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Add the eggs in one at a time on low speed and increase to medium speed to make sure they are incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • On low speed (1), slowly add the dry ingredients a bit at time until it is incorporated.
  • Scoop the dough into the baking pan and using a greased spoon or your fingers to gently press the dough into the pan.
  • Bake for 17-20 minutes. This will greatly depend on your oven. Be sure to watch it and not overcook it. When you start to see any color on the sides of the pan, it is time to remove it. It will continue baking in the pan.
  • Let it cool completely on a wire cooling rack before frosting the bars.

For the Frosting

  • Add room temperature butter to the mixer and beat on medium speed (4) until it is creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
  • Add the powered sugar, milk and vanilla and mix on low (2) until it is incorporated. Then increase the speed to medium (4) and beat for 3 minutes.
  • Add food coloring if desired.
  • Add the frosting to the cooled cookie bars in an even layer and top with sprinkles.
  • Cut into small squares and serve. Store in an airtight container.