Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars
These soft and chewy sugar cookie bars melt in your mouth. With creamy frosting - they'll remind you of Lofthouse cookies, only they're way easier to make.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Servings: 16 squares
For the Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup cream cheese , softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese , softened to room temperature
- 2 to 2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream
- food coloring , optional
- sprinkles
Make the Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan with aluminium foil and grease lightly with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt. Set aside
In a separate large bowl using a stand or hand-held electric mixer on medium speed beat together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until evenly combined and no lumps remain. Add in the egg, vanilla and almond extract and continue beating until combined. Then turn down the mixer to low speed and carefully beat in the flour mixture about 1/2 at a time until mixed. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Spread the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the top is set and the sides are just beginning to pull away from the edges of the pan. Allow to cool fully before frosting.
Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl using a stand or hand-held electric mixer, beat together the butter and cream cheese until evenly combined and no lumps remain. Turn the mixer down to low speed and carefully beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar and the vanilla. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat in the whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time, adding an additional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar as necessary to get the desired sweetness level and consistency. The frosting should be smooth and thinner than the consistency of peanut butter. Finally beat in the optional food colouring about 2 drops at a time.
Remove the bars from the pan, and frost with a flat-edged knife. Optionally decorate with sprinkles and cut into bars.
Calories: 252kcal