Description
Classic sugar cookie bars offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies, delivering sweet, buttery goodness in one convenient pan. Rich layers of vanilla and butter create a memorable treat that delights families and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups (310 grams / 11 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 grams / 12 oz) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C), draping a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a delicate butter layer.
- Creaming: Whisk butter and sugar until voluminous and pale, then integrate eggs and vanilla, creating a silky, unified mixture.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the wet ingredients, maintaining a light touch to preserve the dough’s tender structure.
- Pan Distribution: Seamlessly spread the dough across the prepared pan, crafting an even, smooth canvas with gentle fingertip pressure.
- Baking Transformation: Nestle the pan into the heated oven, allowing the bars to bake for 18-20 minutes. Monitor for golden-kissed edges and a soft, pillowy center – the quintessential indicator of perfect doneness.
- Cooling Finale: Allow the baked creation to rest and cool completely within the pan, enabling it to set into a delectable, slice-ready confection.
Notes
- Prevent Overmixing: Stop stirring the dough as soon as dry ingredients blend with wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft texture without developing tough gluten.
- Precise Baking Timing: Check bars at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking; a slightly soft center ensures moist, chewy cookies with golden edges.
- Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even mixing that creates a consistent, fluffy cookie base.
- Customize Texture: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create an extra soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these bars incredibly delicate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg