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Sugar Cookie Bars

Delightful, soft, and chewy sugar cookie bars topped with a fluffy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie base
  • 16 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 2 cups light brown sugar Lightly packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest Optional
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
For the frosting
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter Room temperature
  • 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sprinkles Optional, for topping
  • Food coloring Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and cool to room temperature.
Mixing the dough
  1. Scrape all the melted butter into a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Add the brown sugar and whisk until it resembles the texture of wet sand.
  3. Introduce the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and optional orange zest, whisking until creamy and emulsified.
  4. Gently fold in the flour and white chocolate chips until no streaks of flour remain.
Baking
  1. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set.
Making the frosting
  1. While the bars cool, beat the room temperature butter in a large bowl for about 3 minutes until smooth.
  2. Add the vanilla, heavy cream, and salt; beat until combined.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until unified, then beat on high for 3 to 4 minutes until fluffy.
  4. Add food coloring if desired and mix gently.
Serving
  1. Once the bars are completely cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Spread the frosting generously over the top and optionally sprinkle with colorful adornments. Slice into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigerate for a longer lifespan. To freeze, cut into servings, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container for up to three months.