Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups sugar; 1 1/2 cups butter (softened); 12 oz. cream cheese (softened); 2 eggs; 1 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 3 3/4 cups flour; 1/2 cup butter (softened); 4 oz cream cheese (softened); 4 - 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 - 5 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla; food coloring; sprinkles

Brownies & Bars • Cookies • Desserts • Recipes • February 7, 2019

Jump to Recipe

One of everyone’s favorite cookies in bar form – these soft Sugar Cookie Bars are simple and are topped with a delicious buttercream frosting that makes this dessert irresistible.

If you like classic sugar cookies, you’ll love them just as much in bar form! It’s the perfect dessert to feed a crowd, since it makes a whole sheet pan full! We also have a cherry version and pistachio version.

Family-Favorite Sugar Cookie Bars

Is it possible NOT to love Sugar Cookies?! I think not! It’s probably my favorite cookie of all-time, right up there with Chocolate Chip Cookies and Snickerdoodles.

We recently decided to try making Sugar Cookie Bars. We already have Cookie Bars and Snickerdoodle Bars, so why not have some bar form of these yummy cookies?! We’re so glad we tried them, because they have since become a family go-to for so many functions.

We love that these are more simple than rolling out and cutting and frosting each cookie but also love that this recipe feeds quite a crowd. They’re great for any function and can be customized with frosting and sprinkles for any holiday or get together.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars

As mentioned, these bars are easier to make than cookies since no rolling or cutting out is needed. They’re also easier to frost than individually frosting each sugar cookie (even if they’re so worth it!) 😉

Not going to lie, this recipe calls for quite a bit of butter and cream cheese which is probably why they are so good, but trust me on this – they’re delicious, and you’ll love them!!

Here are some of our tips in making perfect sugar cookie bars:

Be sure to thoroughly beat the butter and sugar. This will take 2-3 minutes.
Line the pan with parchment paper. This will make removing the cookie bars so much easier.
Spray cooking spray on your hands and press the dough evenly in the sheet.
Watch carefully and DO NOT over-bake the cookies. If anything, underbake and allow them to finish baking in the pan.
Once the frosting has been applied stick the pan in the fridge to set the frosting. This will help make the bars easier and cleaner to cut.

Make ahead & store

Make Ahead. You can make the dough ahead of time to bake later. Here is what we suggest:

Room temperature: Cover bowl and store for 2-4 hours
Refrigerator: Roll the dough into a thick log shape. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
Freezer: Roll the dough into a thick log shape. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for about 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the recipe instructions to bake.

How to store sugar cookie bars?

Room temperature: Store the cookies in the baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To help keep the cookies fresh don’t cut until you’re ready to serve them. Store at room temperature for 3-5 days. Store leftover cookies, layered, in an airtight container.
To freeze baked cookies cut them into bars. (If they are frosted flash freeze to set the frosting.) Use a freezer safe airtight container to layer the bars. Separate layers with wax or parchment paper. Freeze for 3-6 months.

I hope you enjoy these sugar cookie bars with cream cheese as much as we did. So soft, so yummy and so easy to make!! And I also love that it makes a ton which is great for events!!

For more Sugar Cookies, check out: