Sugar Cookie Bars Made Easy

These Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert to make for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home. They combine all the flavors of a traditional sugar cookie but are far easier to prepare and serve. Here’s everything you need to know about this scrumptious dessert!

Quick Benefits

• Easy to make: With just 10 minutes of prep and a quick bake time, these sugar cookie bars are simple to whip up.
• Ideal for large batches: This recipe makes 35 bars, perfect for parties, gatherings, or sharing with friends and family.
• Versatile toppings: You can easily customize the frosting with food coloring or even add sprinkles for extra fun.

Essential Ingredients

For the cookie base:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (adjust to desired consistency)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet.
2. Make the cookie dough: Beat the white sugar and 1 cup butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Spread the dough evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars may not look completely done, but they will set as they cool. Let them cool completely for about 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the frosting: Beat the butter for the frosting in a bowl until smooth. Add the almond extract and salt. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
6. Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.

Health Benefits

While sugar cookie bars are not considered a health food, they do offer a few benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

• Calcium: These bars provide a small amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Protein: The eggs and butter in the recipe provide a small amount of protein, which is important for muscle and tissue repair.
• Iron: With a small amount of iron from the flour, these bars contribute to your daily intake of this essential nutrient.

However, due to the sugar content, it’s best to enjoy these in moderation as a sweet treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with milk: Enjoy these sugar cookie bars with a cold glass of milk for the perfect dessert experience.
• Top with fruit: For a fresh twist, try adding some berries on top of the frosting for added color and flavor.
• Perfect for holidays: Customize with seasonal sprinkles or frosting colors to match the occasion—perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or Easter!

Creative Variations

• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Bars: Fold in some chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
• Citrus Sugar Cookie Bars: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Decorative Frosting: Get creative with your frosting by using a piping bag to create intricate designs or swirls on top of the cookie bars.

Storage Tips

• Store at room temperature: These sugar cookie bars can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage: If you’d like them to last longer, store the cookie bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re tightly covered to prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze for future use: You can freeze the cookie bars for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overbake: Since these bars may not look fully baked when they come out of the oven, make sure you do a toothpick test to check for doneness. They’ll set as they cool.
• Make ahead: You can bake the cookie bars and store them without the frosting for up to a day before adding the frosting for a fresh, easy dessert.
• Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the cookie bars? Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may slightly differ. Butter typically gives a richer taste.

Can I skip the almond extract in the frosting? Yes, if you prefer, you can use vanilla extract instead of almond extract in the frosting.

What if I don’t have a 13×18-inch baking sheet? If you don’t have the exact size, you can use a smaller baking sheet, but keep in mind that the baking time may need adjustment. You might also need to bake in batches.

Enjoy these easy and delicious sugar cookie bars—perfect for any occasion or as a quick, sweet treat to satisfy your cravings!

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