“Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars”

Simple is as simple does meaning sometimes the simpler the recipe the more delectable it is. No hard to find or complicated ingredients. One bowl and one baking pan is needed so not much to clean up. You’ll need utensils, of course and a few other baking tools you probably have in your pantry. Sound like a plan? Valentine’s Day is a day away and this recipe can be baked in no time to share with those you love. These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are so incredible. Plus, you can decorate them anyway you desire.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

So what makes a sugar cookie bar so special? First is the ease of mixing simple ingredients and not creating a huge mess in the kitchen. Second, they bake in 20 to 25 minutes and third, they’re cool enough in about an hour to frost. Speed up the cooling process by refrigerating 30 minutes if you can’t wait. The bars are buttery and chewy with a slight crunch, just the right amount of sweetness.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Use sprinkles of different colors and textures for whatever occasion you’re baking them for. Decorate them pretty for yourself, why not? Kids will have loads of fun decorating these square gems. Just know you may have a few scatterings of color everywhere.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

I baked these bars a couple days ago for my peeps at work and they were in heaven. This was another recipe packed in a recipe box. The only thing I changed was the amount of almond extract I used to bring on the wonderful flavor of almond. Don’t use too much or more than the recipe calls for because the extract can be overpowering. Other extracts work well in this recipe like maple, orange and lemon. Don’t be afraid to switch things up even with the frosting.from color to flavor.

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

I love this recipe and I have no doubt you will, too. Consider this recipe a go-to when you need cookies for a bake sale, staff party, potluck, or birthday party. You can bake the bars in the evening and frost the next day. No mess, no fuss, and delicious! Perfect for your Valentine’s Day sweetheart, don’t you think? Happy Baking!

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 1/2 t. pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 t. pure almond extract

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. fine sea salt

Wilton Creamy Decorator Frosting (medium consistency) or homemade frosting

Sprinkles or Nonpareils, for decorating, if desired

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray. Set baking pan aside.

In bowl of stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in egg, vanilla and almond extracts and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add in dry ingredients and mix until incorporated yet do not over mix. Dough will be crumbly but when a handful is grabbed, dough should hold together. Pat dough evenly in bottom of prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are lightly brown. Remove from oven to wire rack to cool completely.

Frost and decorate cookie bars as desired. Cut into squares and serve. Store bars in airtight container.

Makes 24 bars.