Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 12+ Years Experience ⏰ 1200+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This sugar cookie bar recipe is inspired by my childhood love for classic sugar cookies. I wanted to make a version that’s easier to bake yet still delivers that same delightful taste. These bars are a hit at parties and potlucks, bringing back sweet memories with every bite."

Chef Mitchell is a culinary expert with over 12 years of experience in baking. He has created over 1200 recipes, specializing in desserts and baked goods. A graduate of the Culinary Institute, he combines technique with creativity to deliver delicious results.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Freshly baked sugar cookie bars with colorful sprinkles

Why This Homemade Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Works

This recipe uses a perfect balance of butter and sugar to create a soft, chewy texture. The addition of baking powder and baking soda ensures the bars rise beautifully. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately prevents overmixing, leading to a tender crumb.

The rich vanilla flavor shines through, complemented by optional colorful sprinkles that add a festive touch. These sugar cookie bars are perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat any day of the week. Their simplicity makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest. This enhances the overall taste and gives a unique twist to the classic cookie bar. For a thicker texture, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading it in the pan and baking.

You can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe. Just ensure that the alternative is softened to mix well with the sugar.

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Yes, these cookie bars freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

You'll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a 9x13-inch baking dish. A measuring cup and spoons will also be helpful for precise measurements.

These sugar cookie bars pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings and celebrations.

While sugar cookie bars aren't typically spicy, you can customize the flavor with extracts like almond or lemon. For a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Store the leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend their freshness.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cookie bars turn out too dry, it may be due to overmixing or incorrect flour measurement.

Solution: To fix this, be sure to measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, mix just until combined to maintain moisture.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Uneven cooking can occur due to an uncalibrated oven or improper pan size.

Solution: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and ensure you're using the recommended pan size for even heat distribution.

✅

Lacking Flavor

Problem: If your bars lack flavor, it might be due to insufficient sugar or vanilla.

Prevention: Ensure you’re using enough sugar as it balances the flavors, and consider increasing the vanilla extract for a more robust taste.

✅

Wrong Texture

Problem: If your bars are too crumbly, it may be due to not enough butter or overbaking.

Recovery: Adjust by adding a bit more butter or reducing baking time slightly to maintain a chewy texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can lead to dry and hard bars.

Prevention: Keep a close watch on the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden for the best texture.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar by a few tablespoons next time.

Too Salty: Too salty may indicate excessive salt; ensure you're following the recommended measurements.

Bland: For bland bars, use quality vanilla extract and consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.

Ingredients for homemade sugar cookie bars including flour, sugar, and butter

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your sugar cookie bars. Fresh butter and pure vanilla extract make a significant difference in taste. Always opt for all-purpose flour rather than self-rising flour to maintain the intended texture.

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature as they mix more easily into the batter. Using granulated sugar will yield the perfect sweetness and texture. If you're adding sprinkles, choose high-quality ones that won't bleed colors into your batter.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use finely milled all-purpose flour for the best texture. Avoid using too much flour, as it can lead to dry cookie bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Choose unsalted butter for better control over the salt level in your recipe. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for the sweetness and texture of the bars. Consider using organic sugar for a more natural flavor.
Baking process of sugar cookie bars in the oven

Cooking Technique Tips

Mixing the ingredients in the right order is key to achieving the perfect texture. Creaming the butter and sugar first creates air pockets, which help the bars rise. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added.

Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting is crucial for maintaining their shape. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, and consider refrigerating them for a firmer texture if desired.

Chef's Secret Technique

For perfectly chewy bars, slightly underbake them by about 1-2 minutes. They will continue cooking as they cool, resulting in a delightful texture. This ensures that the centers remain soft and gooey.

Delicious Homemade Sugar Cookie Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Serves 16 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    💡 Use finely milled flour for best results.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    💡 Helps the bars rise properly.

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    💡 Make sure it's softened to room temperature.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    💡 Essential for sweetness and texture.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

  2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store these sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of ice cream. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter at parties.

Variations

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing for extra flavor. Consider using different colored sprinkles for festive occasions.