Description
Delight in these classic Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a tender, buttery base infused with almond extract and topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to prepare, bake to a light golden perfection, and adorned with festive sprinkles for a fun, colorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream (plus more if needed for thinning)
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later, and set aside.
- Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the base texture of the bars.
- Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add in the almond extract along with the second egg to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even rising and flavor balance.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender bars.
- Press Dough and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top and edges start to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake—the bars should remain soft with a slight golden tint.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip together the confectioners sugar, heavy cream, and clear vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add extra heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle festive sprinkles on top to add a fun, colorful finish.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the frosted bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Almond Extract: Gives the classic sugar cookie flavor. You can substitute with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Vanilla Extract: Clear vanilla extract keeps the frosting color bright white. Using pure vanilla extract will tint the frosting slightly but will enhance natural vanilla flavor.
- Do not overbake: The bars should be lightly colored and soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Storage: Store unfrosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
- Make Ahead: Bars and frosting can be prepared separately a day ahead. Store bars covered at room temperature and frosting refrigerated. Let frosting soften before spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
