Did you know that yesterday was National Cookie Day? The perfect excuse to make cookies! We were in the mood for sugar cookies but not for spending all the time chilling, rolling, cutting and decorating each one. There are times when traditional sugar cookie making is a fun activity but to be honest, it is a big undertaking for a Mom. At least with my boys, the kitchen is normally destroyed and most of the cookies are almost inedible, being either too thick or too thin and loaded with globs of frosting and every sprinkle and decoration they can get their hands on!! We will enjoy this tradition sometime before Christmas, but yesterday we didn’t have the time or inclination (at least I didn’t, lol). So these sugar cookie bars were in order. They truly take a fraction of the time that regular sugar cookies do and they are seriously DIVINE! The cookie base is not too sweet, but a perfect match with the cream cheese frosting. Everyone LOVES them and I love the how quick and easy they are! These Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for a busy holiday season! This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 17″ x 12″ rimmed baking sheet. Enjoy!!
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Sugar Cookie Bars
Description
These bars truly take a fraction of the time that regular sugar cookies do and they are seriously DIVINE! The cookie base is not too sweet, but a perfect match with the cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- dash of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- 2–3 Tablespoons of milk if needed
Instructions
Cookie Dough:
- Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Beat until well blended.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Press into a 9×13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until barely light brown.
- Cool completely, then frost.
Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, extracts, salt, and food coloring (if using).
- Beat until smooth and creamy, adding milk as needed.
- Top with sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Baking for a crowd? This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 17″ x 12″ rimmed baking sheet.
I totally agree with you about cut-out sugar cookies. I make them once in a while for the kids and because I have a bunch of cookie cutters that tempt them, but I try to avoid them.
I did make these sugar cookie bars a couple of days ago and they are yummy and quick and easy. The frosting is finger-licking good! Thanks for a great, simple recipe and Merry Christmas!
I totally agree with you about cut-out sugar cookies. I make them once in a while for the kids and because I have a bunch of cookie cutters that tempt them, but I try to avoid them.
I did make these sugar cookie bars a couple of days ago and they are yummy and quick and easy. The frosting is finger-licking good! Thanks for a great, simple recipe and Merry Christmas!