• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Weekly Menu Plans
  • Cookies

5 Boys Baker

Desserts, Dinner and Food You'll Love!

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Cookies
  • 12 Days of Sugar
  • Weekly Menu Plans
  • About
You are here: Home / Recipes / Brownies & Bars / Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

Yum

July 3, 2023 by Jodi + 5 Comments

These Sugar Cookie Bars are the deliciousness of sugar cookies without all the rolling, cutting, and decorating. They’re tender, chewy and covered with a sour cream/buttercream frosting!

this …

I first posted this recipe back in March 2015 and these sugar cookie bars were good then, but I knew I could make them even better. So I revamped the recipe slightly and now they are even better than they were eight years ago.  

If you love sugar cookies like me, then you know that they aren’t the easiest thing to whip up when that craving hits. Thank goodness for these perfectly buttery, chewy sugar cookie bars! They are the deliciousness of sugar cookies in bar form. There is no rolling and cutting out required.

One of my favorite things about these bars is they are completely customizable for any holiday. Just change the color of the frosting and/or sprinkles you use! You can make them for any occasion! You’re going to love these sugar cookie bars!

INGREDIENTS FOR THESE SIMPLE BARS.

  • Butter – I always use salted butter, but if you prefer unsalted butter just increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Sugar – you only need granulated sugar, not brown sugar
  • Vanilla and almond extract
  • Whipping cream – you need this for the cookies and the frosting
  • Flour: All Purpose is the best – don’t forget to measure it correctly.
  • Egg
  • Baking powder

SO SIMPLE TO MAKE.

If you’ve never made sugar cookie bars before then you’re going to love these. Just imagine making your favorite sugar cookie recipe in half the time. Once your dough is made, simply press it into an 8×8 pan and bake them at 350 for 22-28 minutes. Keep an eye on them because you don’t want to over bake these in the slightest.

Once the bars are cooled completely, frost them and throw a few sprinkles on top.

These bars are dense, butter, chewy and slathered in the most delicious buttercream! In the words of Marsha Brady, they’re dreamy!

Several years ago I had made these bars and took some to my friend and she sent me a video of her 4-year old daughter telling me  “Jodi, you make the best cookies ever” and her cute almost 2-year boy saying “thank you.”  Totally made my day.

If you know me, you know I am a frosting girl! You can never have too much frosting! I think the frosting to cookie ratio on these bars is perfection, but if you don’t love a thick layer of frosting you can cut back on the frosting or slather the rest on some graham crackers (my fav!). If you’ve never had frosting on graham crackers, you’re missing out! When were were kids, if my mom didn’t have any kind of cookie or treat for our lunches, she would whip up a batch of frosting and throw it on some graham crackers and put them in our lunches.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS FOR MAKING THESE.

  • The key to a really soft and tender sugar cookie bar is to mix the dough only until the flour is just combined. If you over mix the dough, that can lead to cookies that won’t be quite as soft and tender.
  • If you use unsalted butter when you make these be sure to increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • I’m not one to usually measure flour the “correct” way when I bake, but for these sugar cookie bars it’s important to measure correctly. Be sure to fluff your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. You don’t want to add to much flour.
  • Do not over bake these bars! These bars are done when the edges are slightly golden, the center should not have any golden spots on it. Remember, they will continue to cook as they cool.
  • Remember you can make these for any holiday/occasion by simply changing the frosting color and the sprinkles you use.
  • To store these bars, place them in airtight container or cover them well and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

These frosted sugar cookie bars really phenomenal and slightly addicting. I can’t wait for you to make them!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sugar Cookie Bars


★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 16–20 bars (depending on size) 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These Sugar Cookie Bars are the deliciousness of sugar cookies without all the rolling, cutting, and decorating. They’re tender, chewy and covered with a sour cream/buttercream frosting! ♡


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened*
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled off
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Sour Cream Frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoons whipping cream
  • Food coloring, optional
  • Sprinkles, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract and whipping cream, Mix until combined.
  3. Add the flour, salt and baking powder and mix just until combined. Press into the prepared pan. 
  4. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until the edges are just barely turning golden brown. (Do not over bake!).  Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING:

  1. Cream together butter and sour cream. Add the vanilla, powdered sugar,  pinch of salt and whipping cream. Mix until light and smooth. Stir in food coloring,  if using. Spread evenly over cooled sugar cookie bars and sprinkle with sprinkles of your choice.

Notes

  • I always use salted butter in baking, but you can use salted or unsalted. If using unsalted butter, increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • I used to make these in a 9×13 pan, but changed the recipe to fit an 8×8 pan because I wasn’t always needing as many as the 9×13 pan made. You can easily double this recipe and use a 9×13 pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Follow  @jodi_lud_5boysbaker on Instagram and show me the recipes you’re making from my blog using the hashtag #5boysbaker .  I love seeing all the deliciousness you’re making.

Recipe Source: 5 Boys Baker –

Originally posted on March 4, 2105, updated photos and recipe July 2023

Filed Under: Brownies & Bars Tagged With: bars, cookies, sugar cookies

Comments

  1. Teresa says

    March 4, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    These look gorgeous and delicious. Would you happen to have the dimensions of your cookie sheet, as they vary so much. I want to use the right size, thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Jodi says

      March 4, 2015 at 5:14 pm

      Hi Teresa, my cookie sheet is a Nordic Ware baker’s half sheet. The interior dimensions are 16.5 x 11.38 x 1 inches and the exterior dimensions are 17.88 x 12.88 x 1.06 inches. I should have mentioned that, sorry.

      Reply
  2. Kami says

    June 6, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    I made these today for a shower and they were a hit! So yummy!

    Reply
  3. Michelle says

    October 23, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Ok, all i have to say is DELICIOUS!!! My family loved these!!! They were so easy to make and I should have doubled it because they went fast!!!

    Reply
    • Jodi says

      October 23, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      I guess you’d better make them again! Thanks for the comment!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Fam Pic

Hi! I'm Jodi, welcome to 5 Boys Baker where I share my love of chocolate & sweets and everything in between.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Search for Recipes

More…

Discover Deliciousness!

get my latest recipes
and more . . .


Browse Recipes

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delici Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delicious and perfect for any weeknight meal.  Top it off with homemade croutons and you will be in love 🥣 

Ingredients for this perfect fall dinner:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained well, juice reserved
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dry sherry (I use cooking sherry)
Pinch cayenne pepper

Homemade Croutons (optional):

6 slices high-quality white bread (crusts removed)
3 tablespoons melted butter
Salt & pepper

Full recipe, head to the link in bio! 

#fallrecipes #fallsoup #slowcookermeals #slowcookerrecipe
Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pi Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pie is anything but! This pie is crazy delicious, simple to make and has a little bit of sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy going on inside 🥧 🥧 🥧 

Ingredients:
1 frozen deep dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
1 cup graham crackers, coarsely crushed
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup pecan pieces
1 cup Kraft caramel bits
1/2 cup (8 tbsp.) butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Full recipe 👉 link in bio 🥧

#halloweendesserts #fallrecipes #falldesserts #pierecipe
This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread rec This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is amazing! Made with pumpkin puree, chocolate chips and pumpkin spice box mix . . . easy peasy and crazy delicious 🎃🎃🎃

Link in bio 🧡

#pumpkinbread #pumpkindessert #fallrecipes #falldesserts #3ingredients
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to change your life! Loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and coconut 🍪🍪🍪

Ingredients 👩🏽‍🍳
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup (heaping) creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups peanut butter chips
3/4 cup sweetened coconut

#fallcookies #cookierecipe #peanutbuttercookies #oatmealcookies #coconutcookies
These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats have become my favorite breakfast 🎃 So simple to throw together and so incredibly delicious! Top them with any of your favorite fruit and chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever you’d like 😍

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups steel cut oats
1 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 cups milk
3 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
Berries (fresh or frozen)
chocolate chips
apples
craisins
brown sugar
nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc)
half-n-half

Full recipe on my blog, or head to the link in my bio 👩🏽‍🍳 #pumpkinrecipes #pumpkinbread #pumpkinsoup #breakfastidea #brunchrecipes
These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger you’ll ever make at home. They’re juicy, not too thick, and have perfectly crispy edges, and melted American cheese! 🍔

SEASONING MIX: 😋
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

BURGERS: 🍔
1 pound 80% lean ground beef (or 85% extra lean is fine too)
4 slices of American cheese (I use Kraft singles)
1 burger bun, split
Softened or melted butter

TOPPINGS: (ALL OPTIONAL) 🍅🥬
Lettuce
Pickles
Mayo
Mustard
Ketchup
Tomato

Full recipe in the link in bio or check out my blog 5boysbaker.com #easyweeknightmeals #smashburgers #burgerrecipe #dinnerrecipes
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delici Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delicious and perfect for any weeknight meal.  Top it off with homemade croutons and you will be in love 🥣 

Ingredients for this perfect fall dinner:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained well, juice reserved
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dry sherry (I use cooking sherry)
Pinch cayenne pepper

Homemade Croutons (optional):

6 slices high-quality white bread (crusts removed)
3 tablespoons melted butter
Salt & pepper

Full recipe, head to the link in bio! 

#fallrecipes #fallsoup #slowcookermeals #slowcookerrecipe
Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pi Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pie is anything but! This pie is crazy delicious, simple to make and has a little bit of sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy going on inside 🥧 🥧 🥧 

Ingredients:
1 frozen deep dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
1 cup graham crackers, coarsely crushed
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup pecan pieces
1 cup Kraft caramel bits
1/2 cup (8 tbsp.) butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Full recipe 👉 link in bio 🥧

#halloweendesserts #fallrecipes #falldesserts #pierecipe
This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread rec This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is amazing! Made with pumpkin puree, chocolate chips and pumpkin spice box mix . . . easy peasy and crazy delicious 🎃🎃🎃

Link in bio 🧡

#pumpkinbread #pumpkindessert #fallrecipes #falldesserts #3ingredients
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to change your life! Loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and coconut 🍪🍪🍪

Ingredients 👩🏽‍🍳
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup (heaping) creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups peanut butter chips
3/4 cup sweetened coconut

#fallcookies #cookierecipe #peanutbuttercookies #oatmealcookies #coconutcookies
These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats have become my favorite breakfast 🎃 So simple to throw together and so incredibly delicious! Top them with any of your favorite fruit and chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever you’d like 😍

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups steel cut oats
1 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 cups milk
3 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
Berries (fresh or frozen)
chocolate chips
apples
craisins
brown sugar
nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc)
half-n-half

Full recipe on my blog, or head to the link in my bio 👩🏽‍🍳 #pumpkinrecipes #pumpkinbread #pumpkinsoup #breakfastidea #brunchrecipes
These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger you’ll ever make at home. They’re juicy, not too thick, and have perfectly crispy edges, and melted American cheese! 🍔

SEASONING MIX: 😋
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

BURGERS: 🍔
1 pound 80% lean ground beef (or 85% extra lean is fine too)
4 slices of American cheese (I use Kraft singles)
1 burger bun, split
Softened or melted butter

TOPPINGS: (ALL OPTIONAL) 🍅🥬
Lettuce
Pickles
Mayo
Mustard
Ketchup
Tomato

Full recipe in the link in bio or check out my blog 5boysbaker.com #easyweeknightmeals #smashburgers #burgerrecipe #dinnerrecipes
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delici Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup. . . simple, delicious and perfect for any weeknight meal.  Top it off with homemade croutons and you will be in love 🥣 

Ingredients for this perfect fall dinner:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained well, juice reserved
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dry sherry (I use cooking sherry)
Pinch cayenne pepper

Homemade Croutons (optional):

6 slices high-quality white bread (crusts removed)
3 tablespoons melted butter
Salt & pepper

Full recipe, head to the link in bio! 

#fallrecipes #fallsoup #slowcookermeals #slowcookerrecipe
Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pi Don’t let the name fool you, this Texas Trash Pie is anything but! This pie is crazy delicious, simple to make and has a little bit of sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy going on inside 🥧 🥧 🥧 

Ingredients:
1 frozen deep dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
1 cup graham crackers, coarsely crushed
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup pecan pieces
1 cup Kraft caramel bits
1/2 cup (8 tbsp.) butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Full recipe 👉 link in bio 🥧

#halloweendesserts #fallrecipes #falldesserts #pierecipe
This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread rec This 3-ingredient chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is amazing! Made with pumpkin puree, chocolate chips and pumpkin spice box mix . . . easy peasy and crazy delicious 🎃🎃🎃

Link in bio 🧡

#pumpkinbread #pumpkindessert #fallrecipes #falldesserts #3ingredients
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to change your life! Loaded with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and coconut 🍪🍪🍪

Ingredients 👩🏽‍🍳
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup (heaping) creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups peanut butter chips
3/4 cup sweetened coconut

#fallcookies #cookierecipe #peanutbuttercookies #oatmealcookies #coconutcookies
These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats These Overnight Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats have become my favorite breakfast 🎃 So simple to throw together and so incredibly delicious! Top them with any of your favorite fruit and chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever you’d like 😍

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups steel cut oats
1 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 cups milk
3 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
Berries (fresh or frozen)
chocolate chips
apples
craisins
brown sugar
nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc)
half-n-half

Full recipe on my blog, or head to the link in my bio 👩🏽‍🍳 #pumpkinrecipes #pumpkinbread #pumpkinsoup #breakfastidea #brunchrecipes
These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger These Smash Burgers might just be the best burger you’ll ever make at home. They’re juicy, not too thick, and have perfectly crispy edges, and melted American cheese! 🍔

SEASONING MIX: 😋
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

BURGERS: 🍔
1 pound 80% lean ground beef (or 85% extra lean is fine too)
4 slices of American cheese (I use Kraft singles)
1 burger bun, split
Softened or melted butter

TOPPINGS: (ALL OPTIONAL) 🍅🥬
Lettuce
Pickles
Mayo
Mustard
Ketchup
Tomato

Full recipe in the link in bio or check out my blog 5boysbaker.com #easyweeknightmeals #smashburgers #burgerrecipe #dinnerrecipes

Copyright © 2023 · Five Boys Baker · Privacy Policy · design by Designer Blogs