Baking these sugar cookie bars is like hitting the easy button on dessert. No rolling, no chilling, just mix, spread, and bake. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat fast!
Why This Recipe Works
- No chilling required: Skip the fridge and go straight to baking.
- One-bowl wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your cookies.
- Soft and chewy: These bars have the perfect texture every time.
- Versatile base: Dress them up or down with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, mixing well after each addition. Tip: Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
Spread and Bake
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Tip: Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This prevents them from falling apart. Tip: For extra fun, frost with your favorite icing or sprinkle with colored sugar.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This affects the texture of your bars. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften butter in the microwave at 10-second intervals. Also, lining your pan with parchment paper makes removal and cleanup a breeze. For a crispier edge, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent overbaking.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking.
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Frosted: Top with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles for a festive look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 tsp to balance the flavors. Salted butter can make the bars too salty if you’re not careful.
Why did my bars turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Ovens vary, so start checking at the 20-minute mark. Also, measuring flour by weight (360 grams) instead of volume can prevent dryness.
Summary
These sugar cookie bars are the ultimate easy dessert, requiring no chill time and just one bowl. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.