Soft Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, buttery, and delightfully simple — these Sugar Cookie Bars with cream cheese frosting are a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or cozy afternoons.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk adjust for consistency
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pink food coloring gel optional
- sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add flour and baking powder. Mix just until a soft, thick dough forms — do not overmix.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring gel if desired, and adjust consistency as needed.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles. Refrigerate briefly for cleaner cuts, then slice and serve.
Notes
Switch up the frosting color and sprinkles for holidays or special occasions. Bars can be made a day in advance and taste even better after resting in the fridge overnight.