Sugar Cookie Bars | Simple Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe

PUBLISHED December 2, 2025· MODIFIED December 2, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1476 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

Elevate your dessert game with our delightful Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. These sweet treats are incredibly easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of vanilla, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Sweet Treat

Deliciously Sweet. Enjoy the classic taste of sugar cookies in a convenient bar form.
Quick and Easy. Whip up a batch of these bars in no time; no rolling or cookie cutters needed.
Versatile. Customize your sugar cookie bars with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

With their sweet simplicity and customizable options, these Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to become a beloved dessert in your household. Perfect for bake sales, celebrations, or just satisfying your cookie cravings, they’re a delightful addition to any occasion.

If your cookie bars are turning out raw in the middle while the edges are properly baked, several factors could be contributing to this issue. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

Uneven Dough Thickness. Uneven dough thickness can cause uneven baking. If the middle of the dough is thicker than the edges, it will take longer to bake through.
- Solution– Ensure that you press the cookie dough evenly into the baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon can help achieve uniform thickness.
Incorrect Oven Temperature. An inaccurate oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Your oven might not be heating evenly or may not be calibrated correctly.
- Solution– Use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature inside your oven. Adjust the temperature accordingly and consider calibrating your oven if needed.
Using a Dark Pan. Dark-colored baking pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to cook faster than the middle.
- Solution– If you’re using a dark pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F or use a lighter-colored pan to promote even baking.
Insufficient Baking Time. You might not have baked the cookie bars long enough for the center to set.
- Solution– Increase the baking time as needed. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter– Unsalted butter is the base for these bars, providing richness and flavor.
Granulated Sugar– Adds sweetness and structure to the cookie bars.
Egg– Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract– Infuses a delightful vanilla aroma and flavor into the bars.
All-Purpose Flour– The main dry ingredient for the cookie bars.
Baking Powder– Gives the bars a slight lift and soft texture.
Salt– Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Sprinkles– Colorful sprinkles are a fun and optional addition to these sugar cookie bars.
Frosting- You can frost the bars with your favorite premade frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.

Prepare the Dough. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the Dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Add Sprinkles (optional). Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Press into Pan. Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13″ baking pan.
Bake to Perfection. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Frost (Optional). Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost the bars once they have cooled and top with additional sprinkles.

Tips And Tricks

Making perfect sugar cookie bars is all about attention to detail and some helpful tips and tricks. Here are some suggestions to ensure they turn out delicious:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients. Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps with proper creaming of the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother and more even texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly. Creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a softer and more tender texture.
Even Thickness. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the pan to ensure even baking. An offset spatula can help you achieve a smooth and uniform layer.
Cool Completely. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. Cutting them while they’re still warm can result in crumbly bars.

Variations

Sugar cookie bars are a versatile treat that you can customize in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Here are some delightful variations for sugar cookie bars:

Lemon- Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the cookie dough for a bright and zesty flavor. Top with lemon glaze for extra tanginess.
Chocolate Chip- Fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chunks into the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
Funfetti Sugar- Mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a fun and festive appearance. Top with vanilla or colorful frosting and additional sprinkles.

Enjoy these Sugar Cookie Bars on their own, or try these serving suggestions:

Ice Cream Sandwiches– Use two bars as the “bread” for an ice cream sandwich.
Frosting– Top the bars with your choice of frosting, such as buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkles– Decorate with additional colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
Milk– Enjoy with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.

How Long Do They Last?

Sugar cookie bars can last for a reasonable amount of time if stored properly. Here are some guidelines for storing and determining the shelf life of sugar cookie bars:

Room Temperature– If your sugar cookie bars are not frosted and are kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from becoming stale.

Refrigeration– If your sugar cookie bars have perishable fillings or toppings (such as cream cheese frosting), they should be stored in the refrigerator. In this case, they can last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze Them?

To extend the shelf life, you can freeze sugar cookie bars. Wrap them individually or in layers with parchment paper or plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly stored, sugar cookie bars can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen sugar cookie bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for a shorter time. You can also heat them briefly in the oven to refresh their texture.

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