We can all agree that sugar cookies are one of the best simple desserts ever. So, of course, here at Sweets & Treats, we had to take them to the next level…check out this amazing, BRILLIANT sugar cookie bars recipe! You’ll love this recipe, that’s for sure!
What’s fun about this easy recipe for cookie bars (and their yummy buttercream frosting) is that you can use them for any occasion.
Today we used our Merry & Modern Sprinkles Mix inside of them and on top of the frosting for an adorable holiday treat.
But…you can also use other kinds of sprinkles, too! For instance:
- Our Cupid’s Arrow mix would make for cute Valentine’s Day bars!
- The Irish Luck mix gives these cookie bars a St. Paddy’s day feel!
- For fall or Thanksgiving cookie bars, the Apple Cider mix is suitable.
- Got a girl’s birthday coming up? Pink Princess.
- Boy’s birthday? Camo mix.
- Want something gender neutral for a birthday instead? Prime Time.
This easy sugar cookie bars recipe is the perfect one for a group to feed. Who wouldn’t love a classic sugar cookie recipe in blondie bar form?!
The sky’s the limit! Seriously! The sprinkles really make these cookie bars pop.
Get creative if you’re reading this at any other time of year outside of the holidays.
As is the case with most of our recipes, it’s so versatile! Below are some tips and tricks on how to change them up to make them unique to your upcoming event!
Here’s the recipe…
Sugar Cookie Bars: Ingredients & Utensils
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (4 oz) bag of our Merry & Modern Sprinkles Mix, divided
Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
Utensils & Other Items
- 9×13 pan
- Parchment paper
- Three regular bowls – one large, one medium, one small
- Mixing bowl
- Decorator bag w/ large round tip
How To Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches over the edge to lift the cookies out later. Cooking spray in a sheet pan works well too.
- In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well combined.
- Press sugar cookie dough into prepared pan evenly.
- Sprinkle evenly with Merry & Modern Sweet Sprinkles Mix – be sure to reserve some for sprinkling on top of frosting!
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
- Cool completely.
Making frosting recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter on stand mixer until fluffy and smooth.
- Sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl. (This step is optional, although it makes the frosting smooth and easier to mix!)
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream.
- Add vanilla extract and beat well.
Serving:
- Fit decorator piping bag with large round piping tip.
- Fill bag with frosting.
- Cut cookies into bars.
- Pipe frosting onto each cookie – really give them a large dollop!
- Sprinkle with additional Merry & Modern Sprinkles Mix.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator, or serve immediately.
Sugar Cookie Bars: Tips & Tricks
If you want to make sure these cookie bars turn out perfect, or if you might have a question we’ve already answered…read this section first!
Do these come out soft or crisp?
They should come out soft in the middle, crisp on the edges! Tasty! Don’t worry if they don’t look completely done, they will continue to set as they cool.
We wanted to replicate everybody’s favorite sugar cookie with the perfect crunch from the sprinkles.
Are there any substitutions for the vanilla extract you can use?
We haven’t tried any…if only because we like the recipe as-is! But we’ve heard of people using almond extract or lemon extract for a different flavor experience. Try those and let us know how they work out!
The best part about baking is having fun with all of the flavors and textures!
Can you use salted butter instead?
It should turn out just the same! We just prefer unsalted butter in our recipes.
Sugar cookies…plus frosting…equals a total delight! (At least, we think so!) We’d love to hear your thoughts about these cookie bars. Comment below with your experiences, or if you have questions, feel free to ask away.
Have fun cutting different shapes too! Once this recipe cools, you could cut out shapes using some cookies cutters you have around. Stars would be so fun with our Firecracker sugar mix too wouldn’t they?
Love this sugar cookie bars recipe? Check out these other cookies!
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
- Easy Birthday Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies