There’s something truly magical about baking, isn’t there? The smell wafting through the house, the anticipation of that first bite—it just makes me giddy! One of my absolute favorite recipes is for *easy sugar cookie bars*. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they disappeared in a flash! Soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, these bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re so simple to whip up, even my kids can help! Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep the recipe close at hand for all your sweet cravings!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these easy sugar cookie bars is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy goodness in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise just right. You don’t want to put your dough into a cold oven and risk uneven baking, trust me!
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, which gives your bars that delightful texture. Don’t rush this part; give it a good mix for about 2-3 minutes!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined. I like to mix for about a minute to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is crucial here because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which leads to a nice rise in the bars. Plus, it breaks up any lumps!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. This gradual incorporation will help you avoid a flour explosion and ensures everything blends smoothly!
Step 6: Spread Dough in Baking Pan
Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to spread it evenly in a greased baking pan. I find it helpful to use a spatula to smooth it out and make sure it’s nice and even. This will help your bars cook uniformly!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden color for the best taste!
Step 8: Cool Before Cutting
Finally, allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial because if you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. Letting them cool ensures they set properly and hold their shape. Patience pays off here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: With just a few easy steps, you’ll be on your way to delicious cookie bars in no time!
- Soft and chewy texture: Each bite is perfectly soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying—just the way a sugar cookie should be!
- Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for movie night, these bars fit right in.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make: Get the little ones involved in mixing and spreading the dough—baking is always more fun together!
Tips for Success
To make the best easy sugar cookie bars, ingredient quality really matters! Always use fresh eggs and good-quality butter; it makes a world of difference in flavor. I also recommend sifting your flour before measuring it out. This helps aerate the flour and prevents any lumps, ensuring a smooth dough. When mixing, be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients—just mix until everything is combined. This keeps your bars nice and tender. And don’t forget to let them cool completely in the pan before cutting! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, waiting a bit will give you perfect, sliceable bars. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful easy sugar cookie bars. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and may vary slightly depending on specific brands or measurements:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These tasty treats are not only a joy to bake but also a sweet addition to any gathering. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’ve got a little treat that’s both delicious and satisfying!
FAQs About Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Freezing these easy sugar cookie bars is a great way to enjoy them later. Just let the bars cool completely, then cut them into squares. Place the individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying!
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for egg alternatives, there are several great options! You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg, or try 1/4 cup of mashed banana for a slightly different flavor. Another option is 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water—let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. These substitutes work well in keeping the moisture and texture of your bars nice and chewy!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftover bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too soft. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before digging in for the best taste and texture!
Can I add mix-ins?
Oh, definitely! One of the best parts about these easy sugar cookie bars is how versatile they are. You can stir in some chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or chopped nuts to give them an extra pop of flavor and texture. Just fold in about one cup of your favorite mix-ins after you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover easy sugar cookie bars is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh a bit longer, you can also pop them in the fridge, but make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
If you’ve got some leftover bars and want to save them for later, these bars freeze beautifully! Just cut them into squares and let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
As for reheating, these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, as they can get a bit too soft. Enjoy your delicious treats anytime you want!
What to Serve with Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
These easy sugar cookie bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments takes them to another level! I love serving them with a cold glass of milk—it’s the classic combo that never disappoints. You could also whip up some fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try pairing them with a rich cup of coffee or a sweet latte; the flavors complement each other beautifully. Trust me, whatever you choose, these bars will shine even brighter!
Print
Easy Sugar Cookie Bars: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Spread the dough evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles for decoration.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy sugar cookie bars
