Delighting cookie lovers everywhere, sugar cookie bars combine the nostalgic flavor of a classic sugar cookie with the convenience and simplicity of baking in bar form. If you crave a sweet, tender crumb without rolling or shaping dough, this sugar cookie bars recipe is your perfect solution. Below, you’ll find everything from a brief history of these beloved treats to step-by-step instructions, essential tips, ingredient tables, nutrition facts for multiple yield sizes, and even a personal view from our team. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake a batch (or more!) of these comforting delights for any occasion.
Sugar cookies, in one form or another, have existed since the 1700s. Early American settlers, particularly in Pennsylvania, crafted what would eventually become known as the classic sugar cookie—a simple, buttery, and sweet dough that baked up into a lightly golden treat. Over time, families worldwide have adopted sugar cookies as a celebration staple, especially during holidays and special gatherings.
If you love classic flavors in simple formats, you might also enjoy our 4-Ingredient Banana Bread, a quick and delicious take on a timeless favorite.
Yet rolling, chilling, and cutting sugar cookie dough can be time-consuming. Enter the sugar cookie bars recipe. Instead of rolling dough into shapes, you press it into a single pan, bake, and cut into squares or rectangles afterward. This innovative approach preserves that nostalgic, buttery sweetness while reducing prep time significantly. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice baker, or simply in need of a fuss-free dessert, sugar cookie bars are sure to hit the spot.
Looking for a sweet treat with a unique twist? Try our Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe—an indulgent dessert packed with rich flavors.
From a historical standpoint, sugar cookie bars likely emerged from the need to produce large batches of treats quickly—ideal for bake sales, church potlucks, and celebratory gatherings. Over the years, creative bakers have incorporated various flavor twists, icings, and decorative elements to keep sugar cookie bars fresh and exciting. In this guide, you’ll learn the foundational recipe and discover ways to adapt it to your personal tastes and dietary needs.
For another comforting homemade delight, check out our Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes—perfect for pairing with a warm drink or as a breakfast-for-dessert option.
Table of Contents
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Additional Time (Cooling & Decorating): ~30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings (1x Yield): 12–16 bars (depending on cut size)
If you’re eager to keep an eye on nutritional data, feel free to scroll down or jump to the “Nutrition Facts” section.
Cook Mode Reminder
Before diving into the ingredients, consider activating a “Cook Mode” (if available on your device) or manually adjusting your screen settings so it stays awake. There’s nothing more irritating than having to unlock your phone or tablet while your hands are covered in flour and sugar!
Ingredients
1x, 2x, and 4x Yields
When planning a sugar cookie bars recipe, precise ingredient amounts are crucial. Below, find a convenient table for 1x, 2x, and 4x yields, ensuring you can scale up or down based on the crowd you’re feeding. These measurements have been verified with trusted sources like AllRecipes, Delish, and Food.com.
| Ingredient | 1x Yield | 2x Yield | 4x Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 2 cups (4 sticks) | 4 cups (8 sticks) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1¼ cups | 2½ cups | 5 cups |
| Eggs (large, room temperature) | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Pure Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 4 teaspoons |
| Almond Extract (optional) | ½ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2½ cups | 5 cups | 10 cups |
| Baking Powder | ½ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted Butter
- High-quality butter typically yields a richer flavor and softer texture. Look for options with at least 80% butterfat content.
- Granulated Sugar
- White granulated sugar is standard, but adding a small portion of brown sugar can deepen the flavor and add moisture.
- Eggs
- Use large eggs at room temperature. This ensures even mixing and helps prevent the butter-sugar mixture from curdling.
- Vanilla & Almond Extract
- Pure vanilla extract is preferable over imitation for a more pronounced aroma. Almond extract is optional but adds a subtle nuance that complements vanilla nicely.
- All-Purpose Flour
- For best results, fluff or sift the flour before measuring to avoid dense bars.
- Baking Powder
- A slight lift keeps the bars from feeling too heavy or dense.
- Salt
- A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor across the board.
Local Offers & Featured Products
- Whole Foods Market
- Look for deals on organic butter and free-range eggs. Their 365 label can be surprisingly budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
- Walmart
- Known for value pricing, especially if you need bulk staples like sugar and flour. You might also find competitive prices on well-known national brands of butter and extracts.
If you’re aiming for the highest-quality flavor, investing in premium butter and pure vanilla extract can make a big difference. The taste elevation can turn simple sugar cookie bars into a gourmet-level treat.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to fully preheat for consistent results.
- Grease or Line
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for effortless removal. If using parchment, allow the edges to hang over the sides as “handles” so you can lift the entire slab out post-baking.
Tip: If you prefer thicker bars, use a slightly smaller pan (like 9×9-inch). Bake them longer, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. Adjust baking time by a few minutes to accommodate the extra thickness.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
- Soften the Butter
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature. If not, microwave in short 10-second bursts at 50% power to avoid melting.
- Combine Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs & Extracts
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and optional almond extract. The combined mixture should have a pale color and slightly airy texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Separate Bowl
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Gently
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can create tougher bars.
Note: The dough will be thicker than cake batter but softer than traditional roll-out cookie dough. This is the ideal consistency for pressing into a baking dish.
Step 4: Press the Dough
- Transfer
- Scrape the dough into your prepared baking pan.
- Even It Out
- Use a spatula or the back of a large spoon to spread the dough into an even layer, reaching all edges and corners. If your dough is extra sticky, slightly dampening your hands can help with pressing.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of sugar or swirl in a spoonful of cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor. A light sugar dusting can create a subtle crust on top once baked.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
- Bake
- Place your pan on the center oven rack and bake for 15–20 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on the edges—they should be a pale golden color. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Stage
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. If you used parchment, lift them out and place on a wire rack to finish cooling. Ensure the bars are fully at room temperature before frosting, or your icing may melt.
Texture Tip: Slightly underbaking sugar cookie bars (by a minute or two) can give them a softer, chewier center. Just make sure they’re safe to eat by verifying the center isn’t raw.
Step 6: Frost & Decorate
- Frosting Options
- These sugar cookie bars pair beautifully with classic vanilla buttercream, tangy cream cheese frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Spread Evenly
- Using an offset spatula, coat the cooled bars with a thick layer of frosting. Feel free to add food coloring or flavor extracts to your frosting.
- Add Toppings
- Sprinkles, crushed candies, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut all add texture and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestion: Cut into squares or rectangles before plating. For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate in a decorative pattern or add a swirl of colored frosting on top.
Chef’s Notes & Additional Tips
Taking your sugar cookie bars recipe from good to great often depends on small but thoughtful tweaks. Below are some pointers you might find helpful, whether you’re baking these bars for the first time or refining them for a special event.
Flavor Variations
Citrus Twist
Grate about 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough. The zesty brightness pairs beautifully with the buttery base. If you enjoy fresh, citrus-infused treats, you may also love our 4-Ingredient Banana Bread, a simple yet delicious fruit-based bake.
Funfetti Bars
Mix ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles directly into the batter. Top with more sprinkles after frosting for a vibrant, party-friendly look. This colorful twist makes these bars perfect for celebrations, just like our Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe, which offers a unique and festive chocolate experience.
Chocolate Marble
Melt 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips and swirl it into the dough. Or, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a speckled chocolate effect. For more chocolate inspiration, check out our article on What Makes Dubai Chocolate Special?.
Fruit Jam Swirl
Drop small spoonfuls of your favorite jam (raspberry, strawberry, or even peach) on top of the pressed dough. Use a knife to swirl the jam lightly, creating a pretty marbled appearance. For a fruit-forward alternative, you might enjoy our Is Banana Bread Healthy or Unhealthy? article, which discusses ways to make baked goods more nutritious.
Storage & Freezing
At Room Temperature
Keep the bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. They’ll remain soft and fresh during this time. If you love storing homemade treats, our Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes recipe includes tips on maintaining freshness.
Refrigeration
If using perishable toppings (e.g., cream cheese frosting), store covered bars in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so they soften.
Freezing
Wrap unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter, then frost once fully thawed.
Healthy Eating Tips & Dietary Advisories
Butter Alternatives
Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut some fat and calories. Expect a slightly denser crumb. Curious about making healthier swaps in baking? Our guide on Why Do IHOP Pancakes Taste Better? might give you useful insights.
Gluten-Free
A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend typically works well. Monitor bake time closely, as some GF blends can cause quicker browning or require a few extra minutes.
Egg Substitutions
For vegan baking or egg allergies, use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for each egg. Let the mixture thicken for a few minutes before adding.
Sugar Reduction
Reduce the sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet bar, or experiment with sugar substitutes. Check product labels for conversion ratios. If you’re looking for more ways to reduce sugar in baking, you may find our Three Main Ingredients of Banana Bread helpful.
Medical Advisory: Always consult a healthcare professional if you have specific allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Facts
Below are approximate nutrition facts. We’ve separated them into 1x, 2x, and 4x yields, assuming you slice each batch into 15 equal bars and add a simple buttercream topping. Actual numbers will vary based on ingredient brands and any extra toppings.
1x, 2x, and 4x Yields
| Nutrient | 1x Yield (per bar) | 2x Yield (per bar) | 4x Yield (per bar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal | ~240 kcal | ~240 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~12 g | ~12 g | ~12 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~7 g | ~7 g | ~7 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~31 g | ~31 g | ~31 g |
| Sugar | ~20 g | ~20 g | ~20 g |
| Protein | ~3 g | ~3 g | ~3 g |
| Cholesterol | ~45 mg | ~45 mg | ~45 mg |
| Sodium | ~150 mg | ~150 mg | ~150 mg |
Note: These estimates assume the same number of bars (15) per recipe yield. Cutting them into smaller or larger pieces will change each bar’s nutritional profile.
Team’s Personal View
As recipe developers and long-time baking enthusiasts at YouCookRecipes, we’ve tested countless cookie and bar desserts. What continuously draws us back to this sugar cookie bars recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. Rolling cookie dough and cutting shapes can sometimes feel like a chore—especially during busy weekdays or holiday rushes—yet we still crave that sweet, buttery goodness.
Sugar cookie bars solve that dilemma beautifully: press, bake, decorate, and enjoy. Our team appreciates how this recipe offers room for creativity. Some staff members love swirling fruit jam into the dough, while others prefer a classic white buttercream loaded with rainbow sprinkles. We’ve even experimented with coffee-flavored frostings for an adult-friendly spin.
Ultimately, we believe these bars strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and convenience. They can be a no-frills, everyday sweet snack or a frosted showstopper for special events. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as we do!
FAQ: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
How to make sugar cookie mix into bars?
To turn a basic sugar cookie mix into bar form, follow a Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe by simply preparing the dough as instructed on the package, then pressing it evenly into a greased baking pan. Bake it at the recommended temperature (usually 350°F) for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This shortcut transforms the usual cookie mix into easy-to-slice bars, perfect for frosting or topping with sprinkles.
Why are my cookie bars raw in the middle?
If your Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe turns out raw in the middle, it usually means they were underbaked or the oven temperature was too low. Make sure to preheat your oven fully and use an oven thermometer if possible. Also, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with raw batter, bake for a few extra minutes. Overly thick dough, or using a smaller baking pan than recommended, can also lead to undercooked centers.
What is a sugar cookie in the military?
In some informal military slang, “sugar cookie” can refer to a type of exercise or punishment where one is required to roll in sand after being wet, causing the sand to adhere like sugar on a cookie. However, this has no direct connection to a Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe in the culinary sense. If you’re searching for a sweet treat rather than a military tradition, stick to the delightful baked version!
Are sugar cookies the same as shortbread?
Although both sugar cookies and shortbread can be sweet, buttery, and crumbly, they differ in ingredients and texture. Shortbread typically contains a higher proportion of butter and no leavening agent, resulting in a denser, crumbly texture. A Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe often includes baking powder or soda, which gives the bars a lighter, softer bite. In other words, sugar cookie bars have a softer, cakier texture compared to classic shortbread.
Final Thoughts
Baking a sugar cookie bars recipe is a delightful way to merge simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor. From the moment you cream the butter and sugar to that first bite of soft, frosted goodness, it’s clear why these treats remain a favorite for home bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re prepping for a bake sale, a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, sugar cookie bars never fail to deliver.
By following the steps laid out here—selecting high-quality ingredients, creaming effectively, and decorating with flair—you’ll create bars that taste as good as they look. The best part? No rolling pins or cookie cutters required. Just press, bake, slice, and enjoy!
Happy Baking! And remember, there’s plenty of room to get creative with flavors, frostings, and decorations. Share your photos and feedback with us, and invite friends or family members to try their own variations. Before you know it, you’ll be the go-to sugar cookie bars expert among your circle!
