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Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars

These Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about sugar cookies — buttery, sweet, and tender — baked into thick bars and topped with fluffy frosting. Easier than rolling dough, and just as fun (especially with sprinkles).
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 7 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Sugar Cookie Base:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 tbsp full-fat sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Frosting:

  • ½ cup butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 6 tbsp whipping cream
  • 1 splash vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

Cookie Base:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line a 9×13 baking pan.
  • In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  • Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined. Dough may be slightly crumbly.
  • Press into prepared pan. Smooth top with hands or measuring cup.
  • Bake 15–17 minutes. Do not let the edges brown.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

  • Beat butter until pale and fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar.
  • Add vanilla, salt, and food coloring if using.
  • Stream in cream until spreadable consistency. Whip until fluffy.
  • Spread on cooled bars. Add sprinkles.
  • Chill 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Don't overbake. Pull them when they’re pale and set — not browned.
  • Make ahead: Store bars in the fridge up to 4 days.
  • Add almond extract for bakery-style flavor.