Description
These sugar cookie bars are the ultimate easy-bake treat, delivering soft, chewy perfection with crisp, golden edges every time. Forget the fuss of rolling and cutting; just press, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For frosting (optional): Your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting
- For garnish (optional): Sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Oven & Pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease.
- Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients. Reduce mixer speed, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Press Dough. Transfer dough to the prepared pan and press evenly into all corners with a spatula or lightly floured hands.
- Step 6: Bake Bars. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 7: Cool Completely. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out, frosting, and cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins