Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
*For the cookie dough:*
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
*For the frosting:*
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 metal pan, lining it with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, blend together softened butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, mixing until incorporated.
- With the mixer on low, add in flour, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula or wet hands to evenly press the dough. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
*For the frosting:*
- In a stand mixer, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth (about 1 minute).
- Add vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional heavy cream/milk.
- If you’re coloring the frosting, add 1-2 drops of food dye and mix until incorporated.
*Assembly:*
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the bars.
- Top with sprinkles and indulge!
Notes
These bars might rise and then sink a bit as they cool. For even bars, use the parchment paper to lift them from the baking dish. Use a serrated knife to level the edges, then frost and sprinkle away!