Description
These Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies by baking them as a slab and topping them with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. With a tender, buttery base flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (594g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar (480g-600g), adjust for desired frosting thickness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 13×18 inch half sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray. If using a smaller 9×13 inch pan, cut the recipe in half accordingly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients and form dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cookie base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired thickness and sweetness, mixing well after each addition.
- Frost and serve: Once the cookie base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares for serving.
- Storage: Store the frosted bars covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Ensure the cookie base is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to reach your preferred consistency and sweetness level.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but refrigeration extends freshness up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit almond extract or substitute with additional vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
