Is there anything more disappointing than craving a sweet treat, baking up a batch of what looks like a perfect cookie bar, and then…disappointment? Dry, crumbly cookie bars are a sad reality we’ve all faced. But fear not! With this recipe for Simple Sugar Cookie Bars, you can say goodbye to dryness forever. These bars are guaranteed to be soft, tender, and utterly irresistible. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon snack. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Why You’ll Love These Simple Sugar Cookie Bars
These aren’t just any cookie bars. They’re special! Here’s why you’ll fall in love:
- Incredibly Soft Texture: The secret ingredient and technique ensure a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
- Perfect for Customization: Add your favorite sprinkles, frostings, or even chocolate chips!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A classic sugar cookie taste that everyone will enjoy.
- They Stay Fresh: These bars stay soft and delicious for days (if they last that long!).
Gathering Your Ingredients for Simple Sugar Cookie Bars
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s talk about the stars of the show – the ingredients! The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful balance of sweetness, tenderness, and that classic sugar cookie flavor we all adore. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.
- Unsalted Butter: We’re using a generous amount of butter – a cup and a half, actually, divided between the cookie and frosting. Unsalted butter is key because it allows us to control the overall saltiness of the bars. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming; this is crucial for a light and airy base.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. It’s essential for the structure and flavor of the cookie bars.
- Large Eggs: Two large eggs add richness and bind the ingredients together. They also contribute to the soft texture of the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: A generous 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth. Use a good quality vanilla for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie bars. Make sure to measure it accurately for the best texture.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon of baking powder helps the bars rise and become light and airy.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: Just like in the cookie base, softened unsalted butter is essential for a creamy, smooth frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups of powdered sugar create the sweetness and structure of the frosting. Sift it before using to avoid lumps.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: 1/4 cup of milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative) adds moisture and helps to create a spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Another teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Sprinkles: Because what’s a sugar cookie bar without sprinkles? Use your favorite colors and shapes!
Crafting Your Simple Sugar Cookie Bars: Step-by-Step
Ready to bake? Let’s get started! Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each step. The key to these bars is to avoid overbaking, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures even baking. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes them easy to remove. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. The overhang makes lifting the baked bars out of the pan a breeze!
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a good base and incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the soft texture. Using an electric mixer makes this step much easier.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the sugar cookie.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the bars rise evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. This is the most crucial step for preventing dryness! Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough, dry bars. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your hands or a spatula. For even distribution, use slightly damp hands.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set but still slightly soft. This is the most crucial step for preventing dryness! Watch them closely. It’s better to slightly underbake for a chewy texture than to overbake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting warm bars will melt the frosting, resulting in a sticky mess. Patience is key!
- Make the Frosting: While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Have fun and be creative!
- Sprinkle Time: Decorate with sprinkles as desired. Sprinkles are a must!
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips for Perfect Simple Sugar Cookie Bars Every Time
Want to ensure your sugar cookie bars are a smashing success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing develops gluten and leads to tough, dry bars. Mix until just combined.
- Soften Your Butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming properly with the sugar. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before baking.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can result in dry bars. Use the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale for accurate measurement.
- Watch the Baking Time: Start checking the bars at 20 minutes and bake until they are just set. Slightly underbaking is better than overbaking.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Frosting warm bars will result in a melty mess. Be patient and let them cool completely.
- Storage: Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a different flavor profile, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the dough. The zest of one lemon will add a bright and refreshing citrus note to the bars. Another variation is to add a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla. Almond extract gives the bars a warm, nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the sugar. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to follow the package instructions for best results. Just like with these bars, you can use gluten-free flours in a variety of other recipes.
What to Serve With Simple Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other treats. These cookie bars are a great addition to any gathering or celebration.
- Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
- Fruit Salad: Pair them with a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced dessert.
Your Simple Sugar Cookie Bars Questions Answered (FAQ)
Why are my sugar cookie bars dry?
The most common reason for dry sugar cookie bars is overbaking. Be sure to watch them closely and take them out of the oven when they are just set. Overmixing the dough can also contribute to dryness. Avoid overmixing by combining the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Another great recipe to master is the chocolate sheet cake. Baking can be quite fun, and that recipe can come to the rescue as well.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you do use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon. This will ensure that the bars are not too salty.
Can I freeze sugar cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze sugar cookie bars. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before pressing into the pan and baking. When thinking about baking, you can consider making this Caramel Nut Dessert Jars dessert as well!
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. For a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. For a larger pan, the bars will be thinner and may require a shorter baking time. Watch them closely to prevent overbaking. You can also explore more recipes on the site. Have you tried our Golden Rice Pilaf? That one might be worth trying!
Enjoy Your Homemade Simple Sugar Cookie Bars!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Simple Sugar Cookie Bars that are guaranteed to be soft, tender, and delicious every time. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some happiness! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your bars turned out. Happy baking!