Sugar Cookie Bars
What does one do when they fancy cookies but fancy something a little more indulgent than actual cookies?
Then bake a big slab of cookie bars and completely smother it with girly pink, creamy and delicious buttercream frosting, of course!
What else would I do when the end result was super thick fluffy sugar cookie bars topped with deliciously creamy frosting? 
Sugar cookies are delicious. But sometimes you just want that sugar cookie taste without all the faff of chilling, rolling, cutting out shapes, baking and repeating. These sugar cookie bars are so quick you’ll think you did something wrong until you enjoy the end result!
They should be named “Frosted & Fabulous!” Enjoy!
Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 17-20 mins
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups (320g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup/1 stick (113g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1½ tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
FOR THE FROSTING:
- ½ cup/1 stick (113g) butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) icing (confectioners’) sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup half and half (see notes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- (optional) paste or gel food colouring
Directions:
- To make the cookie base; Preheat the oven to 190/375/Gas Mark 5 and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approx. 3-5 minutes – the lighter, the fluffier the cookies.
- Stir in the egg, sour cream and vanilla and mix until blended. Then slowly add the flour, baking powder and salt stirring until well combined.
- Very gently (almost patting) press the dough to the greased baking pan and bake for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely in the baking pan.
- To make the frosting: Cream the butter adding a little of the icing (confectioners’) sugar in additions (to prevent sugar smog!) until all the sugar has been incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla and salt. {optional} If tinting, add a drop of colour until desired shade is achieved.
- Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookies and allow to set before cutting into bars.
Notes:
- For international users, half and half is an american milk/cream product which can be replicated by using half full fat milk and half single cream.
- The recipe yield entirely depends on how big or small you cut your bars. If you’re anything like me, and make gigantic bars you will obviously have a lower yield.
Recipe Source:
High Heels and Grills adaptation of Cooking Classy‘s recipe.
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About Lisa Crunkhorn
Oh, this is a neat idea Lisa! Wonderful twist on sugar cookies.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted…Vintage Mondays – Oatmeal Cake with Broiled Coconut Topping
Thanks Paula.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
I looooove sugar cookie bars Lisa! SO MUCH EASIER. These are gorgeous!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Raspberry Snack Cake for Easter Brunch
Thanks Dorothy.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
So pretty! And Springy! And cheerful! LOVE IT!!! Pinned
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet recently posted…One Hour Skillet Focaccia
Thanks for pinning, Anna.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
Lisa, these are so pretty (they remind of Springtime)!. I love sugar cookies but never had them in a bar. I’m pinning this and will make one day soon!
Liz recently posted…Coffee and Baileys Cupcakes
Me too, Liz. I think it’s the tea towel (dish cloth) that’s making me think of warm spring days and the fact it’s actually been quite sunny today [until the rain came in the afternoon].
Thanks Liz.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
I would love to indulge in a few of these. They look so good. Love the pretty pink frosting!
Jennie @themessybakerblog recently posted…Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Muffins ~ #MuffinMonday
Thanks Jennie.
These look like the cutest most darling things ever! That cute pink color is amazing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) recently posted…Guest Feature and Coconut Cake Recipe by Cookbook Author Patty Pinner
Aww thanks Jocelyn.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
Sorry I haven’t commented in a while, Lisa! It’s been hard to even look at your stuff without completely going off the deep end when I know I can’t have sugar! These look tasty!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen recently posted…Taco Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Oh don’t worry Loretta, I’ve been terrible this year. I just can’t seem to find the time anymore and the fact that I used to comment in bed late each night (that was my routine) but the giant man-baby put a stop to my late night tapper tapptity taps.
Have a sweet day.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted…Sugar Cookie Bars
All that pretty, pink frosting on top of that thick, sugary goodness looks wonderful!
Sue {munchkin munchies} recently posted…Bunting Cookies
Fabulous bar cookies! How can you not love that?
Ambreen (Simply Sweet ‘n Savory) recently posted…Almond Cake Rusk
Holy cow these look amazing! I cannot wait to try these, thanks for sharing
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Happy Valley Chow recently posted…Strawberry Guinness Barbecue Sauce
Soft Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are one of my weaknesses. I’ve found copycat recipes, but don’t want to chill the dough, roll it out, and cut it. This recipe is the perfect solution!!
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection recently posted…Roasted Vegetable Greek Salad
I fancy ALL OF THESE!!
Lisa this is brilliant – I do feel like sugar cookies all the time but my lazy self never wants to roll them out. And that frosting?1 Adorable!
Jess @ OnSugarMountain recently posted…College Cooking 101: Skillet Baked Ziti
I love sugar cookies, and these look soooooooooooooooo beautiful!!
The color catches the eye immoderately
Winnie recently posted…פאי שמרים עם פסטו וירקות
I love making these with my 2 year old and letting him have fun with sprinkles, since he doesn’t yet have patience for cutouts.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips recently posted…What’s in the #Lunchbox Wednesday – 2-27-13
Those look unbelievably good! I love sugar cookies
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Sarah E recently posted…11 Bomb-Dot-Com Beverages
Love these! Sometimes you just don’t want a piece of cake…but a great frosted cookie would be great!
May I reprint this recipe (with attributions, of course) on Betterafter50.com?
I love sugar cookies. Looks so yummy I might have to try these bars.
Theresa @DearCreatives recently posted…INSPIRATION SPOTLIGHT #LINKUP 30 CRAFTS-DIY-DECOR-RECIPES-BLOG-TIPS
I always opt for making bar cookies rather than cookies when I can…I won’t admit it’s because I *really* love indulging in chopping little pieces off of the bars in an attempt to “even them out” (and these pieces inevitably make it to my mouth. Silly things!). I can’t wait to try this recipe the next time instead of my standard sugar cookie fare! Thanks!
Ala recently posted…LWOM: Healthy Apple Spice Bars with Caramel Penuche Icing
Wow thats looks yummmmmmmmmmmy!!! Can you share no bake dessert recipes?
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Pretty and Pink! Have to make these for Maddie my Granddaughter. I am featuring these at My Weekly Rays of Sunshine.
Tumbleweed Contessa recently posted…Green Food Saturday Dishes
These looks so much quicker and easier than cookies and are made better by that amazing pink frosting! YUM!
Elizabeth recently posted…Brown Butter Cookie Dough Rice Krispie Treats
Sugar cookies in a bar.sounds like a great idea. I love their pink color, so bright and perfect for a party
Oh yum, I love sugar cookies with tons of frosting! These look yummy!
This looks like one delicious treat. I need to try it soon.
Cindy Harris recently posted…Lemon Pie Bars
They look gorgeous! My mouth is watering with the texture of the pink
Alvaro (@mister_socio) recently posted…Lamb & Laverbread sausages from Wales
These bars were fantastic! It is very hard not to devour the entire pan.. My children loved them too !
I simply cannot say enough about these bars! They are soooo awesome! Have to run out to get half and half and making a batch tonight! Thanks much!
These bars look amazing! I can’t wait to try them. The frosting looks divine!
Sarah- the magical slow cooker recently posted…Skinny Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup