Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *easy sugar cookie bars*! They’re seriously one of the simplest and most delightful treats you can whip up in no time. I mean, who doesn’t love a sweet, soft bar cookie that’s perfect for any occasion? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, throwing a bake sale, or just want a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are always a hit! The best part? You can customize them with your favorite sprinkles or toppings to match any festivity. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! They’re soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these easy sugar cookie bars a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for a lovely twist)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional, but oh-so-fun!)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it makes all the difference in achieving that creamy texture when you mix it with the sugar. Now, let’s get ready to bake!
How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these easy sugar cookie bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pan of cookie goodness in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is key because it helps evenly distribute the baking powder, which is what makes your bars rise and stay fluffy. Just whisk it together for a minute, and you’re good to go!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use an electric mixer for this—it saves time and gives that lovely airy texture. You’re looking for a nice, creamy consistency that’s almost pale in color. It should feel smooth and look deliciously inviting!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg and your vanilla and almond extracts to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches—just a little at a time. This way, you avoid a flour explosion! If you’re using sprinkles, gently fold them in at this point, making sure they’re evenly distributed. It’s all about that extra pop of color and fun!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the dough evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a bit before cutting them into bars. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Tips for Success with Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy sugar cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect every time! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this is crucial for that dreamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Also, don’t skip the chilling! If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and give you thicker bars.
Another pro tip? Keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can be sneaky, so check for that golden edge and a toothpick that comes out clean. And don’t forget to let them cool completely before slicing—this helps them hold their shape better. Trust me, these little adjustments make a world of difference!
Variations of Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
One of the best things about these easy sugar cookie bars is how versatile they are! Feel free to get creative and switch up the flavors or toppings to suit your mood. For instance, you can try using different extracts—like coconut or lemon— to give your bars a unique twist. If you want to add a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or toffee bits for a delightful texture.
And let’s talk about toppings! Drizzling melted chocolate on top or spreading a simple icing will take them to the next level. You can also sprinkle on some colored sugar for an extra festive touch, especially for holidays or celebrations. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make these bars your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your easy sugar cookie bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for about 4-5 days, but trust me, they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, though they might lose a bit of that delightful softness.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll become too chewy! Enjoy your sweet treats any time!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads up—nutrition information for these easy sugar cookie bars can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided a general breakdown, it’s not set in stone. If you’re keeping an eye on your intake, I recommend checking the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate details. Enjoy these bars in moderation, and happy baking!
Engage with Us
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making these easy sugar cookie bars? What did you think? Did you put your own spin on them with different flavors or toppings? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you have any questions or need tips, don’t hesitate to ask. Let’s connect over our love for baking and create some delicious memories together!
Imprimer
Easy Sugar Cookie Bars: 5 Delightful Twists to Try
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Easy sugar cookie bars are simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg and extracts, then mix well.
- Gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- If using, fold in sprinkles.
- Spread the dough in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars can be decorated with icing.
- Adjust baking time for thicker or thinner bars.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: easy sugar cookie bars, cookie bars, dessert, baking
