The Best Sugar Cookie Bars (thick, chewy, + soft)

I remember the first time I tried baking sugar cookies from scratch. I was 12, excited to recreate the festive treats I saw on a holiday baking show. But between the chilling, rolling, cutting, and decorating, my excitement quickly turned into frustration. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this sugar cookie bar recipe because it gives you all the flavor and fun of classic sugar cookies without the fuss.

These Sugar Cookie Bars bars are a dream come true for beginner bakers. They’re easy to prepare, require basic pantry ingredients, and come together in under 40 minutes. Best of all, they’re soft, thick, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting that can be customized for any occasion. If you’re searching for a go-to dessert that’s quick, reliable, and crowd-pleasing, you’re in the right place.

Why These Sugar Cookie Bars Are Special

• They skip the traditional rolling and cutting, making them much faster than regular sugar cookies.
• The texture is soft and chewy, with a slight crisp edge that balances each bite.
• They’re incredibly adaptable—switch up the frosting color or sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration.
• The addition of cream cheese adds richness and keeps the bars moist without making them overly dense.
• These are perfect for beginners who want a reliable, no-fuss dessert with guaranteed success.

Ingredients and Preparation

Butter – Provides moisture, richness, and flavor. Softened butter ensures a creamy, well-blended dough.
Granulated Sugar – The sweet backbone of the cookie dough. It helps with structure and golden color.
Egg – Acts as a binder and adds tenderness. Room temperature is ideal for better mixing.
Vanilla & Almond Extract – Enhances the classic sugar cookie taste with a subtle, nutty depth.
Cream Cheese – Adds a slight tang and ensures softness in the finished bars.
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough, giving it structure. You can sub in white whole wheat for a more wholesome twist.
Baking Powder – Provides just enough lift for a tender texture.
Powdered Sugar – The base of the frosting, which adds a smooth, sweet finish.
Milk – Helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Sprinkles – Completely optional but add a fun pop of color and crunch.

Ingredient Alternatives

• Use dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese to make it plant-based.
• For a citrusy twist, swap almond extract with lemon or orange extract.
• Gluten-free flour blends work well for those with dietary restrictions.
• Try coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2 In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese. Continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3 Gradually add in the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 4 Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Smooth out the top for an even bake. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.

Step 5 While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.

Step 6 Once the bars have cooled completely, frost generously and top with sprinkles if desired. Cut into squares, rectangles, or triangles and serve.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Overmixing alert: Stirring too long once flour is added can lead to tough bars—mix just until combined.
• Room temp ingredients: Butter, cream cheese, and egg should all be at room temperature for better blending.
• Cut cleanly: Chill the bars for 15 minutes in the fridge before slicing for cleaner edges.
• No sprinkles? Top with shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips instead.
• No hand mixer? A wooden spoon and elbow grease will do, but beat butter and sugar very well to keep texture light.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a simple berry compote.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Serve on a dessert platter for holidays, birthdays, or bake sales.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

Engagement Features

If you’re a new baker, I encourage you to try these Sugar Cookie Bars they’re a sweet way to build confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a school event, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something soft and sweet, these bars won’t let you down. Don’t forget to share your creation in the comments below or tag your photo on social media. I’d love to see how yours turn out!

FAQ About Sugar Cookie Bars

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