Sugar Cookie Bars
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These sweet, delicious sugar cookie bars are perfectly soft and chewy! They are topped with a homemade cream cheese frosting. Change up your frosting color to match the different times of the year! This recipe is fast and easy for the perfect dessert when you are busy. If you don’t have time for sugar cookies and want something to fix your craving make these today!
I love sugar cookies – Soft Sugar Cookies and Lemon Sugar Cookies! Do you have a favorite?
But when you think of sugar cookies do you shiver and dread the thought of rolling and cutting, rolling and cutting and doing it some more? I know I do, but they are so so good when they melt in your mouth that sometimes it’s just worth all of the work of making them.
Well, this recipe lets you enjoy sugar cookies without all that fuss or muss!
In fact, Jason just asked me what I was blogging about and called them nummy bars. They sure were a hit at work that’s for sure!
What can I say, he’s my taste tester! ?
So since he’s done all the hard work let me tell you the only decision you’ll have to make is what color for the frosting! Know what I’m saying?!!!
Oh, and of course if you are going to add sprinkles or not? If it’s up to the girls they add ALLLLLL the sprinkles!
Another fun thing about these easy sugar cookie bars is that you can change up the frosting color for any time of year. I love fun pretty colors like pink, yellow, green in the spring. Around the holidays I usually use red or green frosting with sprinkles of course!
They are always a hit when I bring them somewhere because they are so soft and chewy, the perfect amount of sweet frosting because it’s not overpowering and the kids always devour them.
So do the adults!
What Do I Need to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
- sugar
- butter
- cream cheese
- egg
- almond extract
- vanilla
- baking powder
- baking soda
- flour
Tips to make Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe
- Mix the batter until creamy and fluffy it will take about four minutes.
- Be sure to use room temperature butter when making the frosting. It will be creamier and spread so nicely!
- The bars are easiest to cut when the bars are completely chilled.
- You can doll these up for any holiday just by changing the color of the frosting and adding your favorite sprinkles!
How to make Sugar Cookie Bars
- Grease a jelly roll pan.
- First, beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar and egg until frothy.
- Add vanilla and almond extract.
- Next, add the dry ingredients. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Press dough into the pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Frosting – Combine butter and cream cheese. Beat about 2 min. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mix 1-2 min until smooth.

The holidays aren’t the only time for cookies, right?!!? We eat cookies all year long so be sure to comment below and tell me your favorite cookie!
WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS SUGAR COOKIE BARS RECIPE BELOW:
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Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 1/2 c sugar
- 1 c butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 1/2 c flour
Frosting
- 1/4 c butter softened
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 c powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- food coloring
Instructions
- First beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar and egg until nice and frothy. This will take about 4 min.
- Add vanilla and almond extract. Beat about 1 min.
- Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat about 2 min. It will be light and fluffy.
- Press dough into greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Frosting – Combine butter and cream cheese. Beat about 2 min. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Mix 1-2 min until smooth.
Patty says
Great cookie!! My kids and I made them into peanut butter and jelly bars by spreading strawberry jam on baked bars, then topped with a peanut butter frosting — so good!!
Courtney says
Yum!!
Renee says
The absolute best cookie bar you will ever eat. I will make it over and over again. Thanks.
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed them Renee! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Deanne says
What size jelly roll pan did you use? Thanks😀
Julie Evink says
Mine is a 15” x 10”, but if yours is a little different that’s fine. The bar will just be thicker/thinner. Just watch the cooking time!
Alison LaFortune says
My kids loved these! The frosting is delicious. We’re making another batch for Easter!
Julie says
Perfect! I’m glad you loved them!
Malinda says
I made these over the weekend and let my kids help. They had so much fun and needless to say they are all gone! They loved them!
Julie says
They are the perfect treat! I’m glad they were a hit!
Julie says
Great tasting, but the frosting didn’t cover the entire jelly roll pan.
Danielle Green says
I made these and let the kids decorate them with green frosting for St. Patricks Day. They were a huge hit and I doubt they will even make it to the weekend parade before they are gobbled up!
Julie says
What a fun idea! I’m glad they were a hit!
Gail says
What is 1.5 cup?
Julie Evink says
1 1/2 cups….
chris says
I am going to make these! Usually when i make sugar cookies i just use a spoon, scoop and flatten with a sugar coated glass!! everyone loves them. this sounds even easier. thanks again for all your great recipes!!
Julie Evink says
Those sound fabulous! I hope you enjoy these!
melissa says
why can I not see the recipe
Julie Evink says
I’m not sure Melissa. This is the direct link – https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/sugar-cookie-bars/2/
Try that?
Amy Greene says
These look so delicious and easy to whip up. I think my kids would love me forever if I made these for them. I have pinned it to save for later. Thanks.
Julie Evink says
Thanks Amy!
Jackie Baccarini says
Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them? I could do the icing after they thaw if you think it would work.
Thanks.
Julie Evink says
I think they would freeze fine frosted!