These Sugar Cookie Bars give you all the taste and enjoyment of sugar cookies without the work of having to roll or cut them out. They are so soft and taste amazing!
We had a bridal shower for a good friend last month and among all of the delicious food, these sugar cookie bars were the dessert of choice. I’m pretty sure I ate three of them in one sitting. Don’t judge.
I’ve seen the recipe for these in a few different places and all of them say the same thing: “If you want the taste of sugar cookies without having to go through the work and mess of rolling them out, then this is the perfect recipe for you!”
I kind of thought they were exaggerating a little bit because let’s be real – we roll out sugar cookies because it’s fun and it’s an adventure, not because it’s a pain in the rear.
Then I got making these and realized that all of those people were actually right. I was completely done in no time and I wasn’t a slave to the kitchen, having to roll, cut, frost, and repeat. It was the perfect dessert!
Other dessert bar recipes you might like:
Oreo Cheesecake Bars – easiest way to enjoy cheesecake
Deep Dish Fudgy Oatmeal Bars – if heaven had a taste, this would be it
Strawberry Lemonade Bars – sweet and tangy
Snickerdoodle Bars – a classic favorite
Sugar Cookie Bars
These Sugar Cookie Bars give you all the taste and enjoyment of sugar cookies without the work of having to roll or cut them out. They are so soft and taste amazing!
Ingredients
Cookie
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened I use salted
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 lg egg
- 1 & 1/2 Tbsp. sour cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, softened I use salted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- Several drops of food coloring optional
Instructions
Cookie
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Add the egg and mix well.
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Add the sour cream and vanilla and mix until completely blended.
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Add the flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, scraping down the sides between additions.
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Gently press the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out with your hands.
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Bake 17-20 minutes or until edges become lightly golden.
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Set aside to cool completely.
Frosting
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In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and half and half until light and fluffy.
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Stir in the vanilla and salt and mix well.
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If using food coloring, add a few drops until you achieve the desired color.
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Frost your cooled cookie bars evenly. Cut into squares and serve.
Katie Drane says
These look so good and they’re so pretty! What a great idea. Looking forward to see what you come up with next:)
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
Four Marrs and One Venus says
Oh yum yum YUMM! I would eat the whole pan.. but my son just asked for sugar cookies the other day- So I pinned this goodness.. I am sure I will be making very very soon! Thank you!
Our Pinteresting Family says
Yum! I wish I was home so I could make these right now. Going on the things to make list this weekend. 🙂
Kelly says
Wow, these look so good! Definitely trying these soon. -Kelly @ Semi Homemade Mom
Kristal says
Ok these seriously look so delicious! I am trying these very soon!!!
http://sincerelyarizona.blogspot.com/
Shantel says
Yum! I love sugar cookies and will definitely be adding this to my “must make soon” list. Again, yum!
Alyssa Rivers says
I have had these on my list of things to make for a long time now! They look so yummy!
Shelly Ann says
These look so good. I just love sugar cookies. Stopping by from the Likearolemodel blog hop. New follower here. http://lovejoyjunction.blogspot.com/
Jaydee and Shaunda says
Those look delicious. For our after school snack every Wednesdays we have cookies. I will definitely need to add these to our favorites. Thanks for sharing.
Valerie Burgess says
I am never a fan of rolling anything out. Of all the things I can do in the kitchen, rolling out dough seems to be something I cannot seem to grasp well (not sure why – I blame it on equipment failure instead of user failure. So these would be perfect to try. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
hhh says
These look soo good, I addicted to sugar cookies. I am going to try making these very soon! Thanks for sharing!!
Leslie says
Adding these to my recipe book right now. They look like they would be great in my kids’ lunchboxes and I could control the portion. Perfect little sweet treat!
Myndie says
Yum. So much easier than cutting out cookies, IMO! I love the almost 50/50 ratio of cookie and frosting.
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
I’ve been wanting to try these! Look awesome!
Stacy @ She's {kinda} Crafty says
these look so yummy! Pinning so i can make them for football season!
Erin says
I love the idea of not having to roll out the cookies!
Bronwyn says
Oh! These look delightful. Believe it or not, I have to attend a “Christmas in August” party on the weekend and I am going to make some of these, ice them and add some holly shaped sprinkle. Perfect for the “holiday ” theme. Thanks for sharing!!
Jocelyn says
These are so pretty looking and I love that you don’t have to be in the kitchen forever rolling out dough! One pan bar cookies are definitely the way to go!!!
Gregg_at_PIL says
Saw these on Pinterest and they looked amazing; would you like to enter them in our recipe contest? Check out our Contest page for more details here: http://www.facebook.com/iCookbook
rebekahdawn says
Yum! Pinning!
Printabelle says
As soon as I saw the photo, I knew it wasn’t manly day! These look yummy and you sure do have the close up pics down! Perfect shot!
Lisa says
I can see these being so perfect for a shower! They look so good 🙂
Stella B's Kitchen says
Beautiful!! This looks a lot like my Lofthouse Sugar Cookie recipe, but much faster results:) We will have to try these soon!!
Cate says
I just pinned this and am so excited to try them….I am so done with my rolling pin 😉
Jen says
I do get tired of rolling them out. This is a great solution!
Sensible Sarah says
Hello! It’s nice to meet and follow you! Those look so good. Thanks for sharing
have a great day
Hope you’ll visit me too!
ciao bella
sensible sarah
Ericka Breedlove says
These bars look sweet and tasty!! And so pretty too!! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Shannon Madigan says
Yum! These sound so good… and I love the pink frosting!
JennyMac says
Found these on pinterest. I made them last night and they are incredible. Just shared the recipe on my blog today with a link to you. Cheers.
Craig & Kirsty Jones says
Hi what is half and half please?
Craig & Kirsty Jones says
Hi just wondering what half and half is please?
Jonwife says
It is half milk and half light cream which can be found in the refrigerated dairy section. You can also search online for susbstitutes.
Katy @ Lolly Linens says
Mmmmmm, thank you for sharing.
Dora, the Quilter says
I spend so much time quilting that I hate take the time to mess with dough and cookies sheets. I *will* try these. Thanks for sharing. (Came here from Sew Many Ways.)
Anastasia Ricks says
This recipe looks amazing!! I’ll have to try it for my next tea! It will make my table look so pretty. I’m visiting from Craft-O-Maniac and am a new follower. It would be great if you could follow me back at http://lifeofblocks.blogspot.com/2012/08/quilt-top-done.html Thanks!
Parkland Parish says
This is a really lovely recipe and the cookies turned out so nice! Really love the pink frosting!! Am visiting from Craft-O-Maniac and am a new follower. It would be great if you could follow back at http://parklandparish.blogspot.com/
Natasha SerenityYou says
oh yum!! pinning these!!
Natasha @ http://www.serenityyou.com
Devon Riesenberg says
No judging here! Those looks incredible…new follower 🙂
Helen - And Who Says You Cant? says
Im a new follower, thank you so much for this recipe! I am looking for a recipe to share for a charity bake sale. This is perfect 🙂 thanks
Jill says
Wicked!!!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Janet Rose says
Looks great! I love making cookie bars…so easy with the same great taste!
Shelley says
So pretty! They look yummy too but i don’t think I have seen a prettier picture of cookie bars! And the title on the pic matches the frosting so well! 🙂
Krista @ While He Was Napping says
Just made these and they are delicious. I love how simple the frosting phase is! Found you on Pinterest and just wanted to say thanks for the awesome goodness!
*~Gale~* says
Oh my gawwwwwd! (in my best squeaky “valley girl” voice…lol) I absolutely love sugar cookies, but I have never mastered the rolling, cutting thing. I cannot wait to try these! Thanks for sharing!
Ann @ The Scrapbooking Housewife says
Pinning now! These look so delicious!! 🙂
Joyness Sparkles says
What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing this and of course, the photo is just beautiful! 🙂
The Mandatory Mooch says
These look so delicious. Thanks so much for linking up to Tasty Thursdays on The Mandatory Mooch. I hope you will link up again. The party will be live tonight. http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com
Thanks, Nichi
Britni @ Hubby Made Me says
These look so good and pretty!! I meant to share these on my Facebook page but totally forgot, curse you pregnancy brain that never goes away {even though my daughter is almost 18 months old}. I’m doing it now!
Debi Bolocofsky says
Hey Sarah,
These are the prettiest cookies and I am sure they taste as good as they look. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/free-bee-sweet-hat-pattern-crocheted.html
Hope to see you there.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Julie says
Mmm…delicious pink and sugary. Just perfect 🙂
Julie says
Mmm…delicious pink and sugary. Just perfect 🙂
Lauren @ The Well Crafted Home says
Yum!! These look awesome!! I would love it if you linked this project up at my link party! Here is the link:
http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/well-crafted-wednesdays-18-link-party.html
Cindy Liddle says
Please, can anyone tell me if the butter used is non-salted or salted butter? Thanks!
Cindy
Cindy Liddle says
Hello, I would like to try making these soon…please, did you use salted or unsalted butter for the cookie and frosting?
thanks, Cindy
Zachary and Sarah @ HHG says
Hi Cindy, I used salted butter for the cookies and unsalted for the frosting, but the next time I make them, I will use salted for both. Either way will work, but I recommend using the salted butter for both! Good luck! I’d love to know how it turns out!! 🙂 P.S. Sorry it took so long. I responded through e-mail a couple hours ago, but didn’t know that you are labeled as a ‘no-reply commenter’. To eliminate something like this in the future, be sure to turn off the ‘no-reply commenter’ in your settings tab. Thank you Cindy! Have a fab night 🙂
Emily says
yum!!! Just wanted to let you know you are being featured at this weeks Tasteful Tuesday party! This link will go live at 8:30 tonight!
http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2012/09/somewhat-healthy-ice-cream-sandwich-and.html
darcie says
These are sooo good. I need to put foil around the sides and edges next time, because they ended up a little hard and brown. SOOOOO good. I will make these for a party or a “Thank You” for letting my child come for a playdate!!
darcie says
These are sooo good. I need to put foil around the sides and edges next time, because they ended up a little hard and brown. SOOOOO good. I will make these for a party or a “Thank You” for letting my child come for a playdate!!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I love the color of your frosting! So pretty! I bet these taste wonderful as well 🙂 Thank you for sharing at All My Bloggy Friends last week. I can’t wait to see what you share this tomorrow!
~ callee ~ says
I saw this on Pinterest – they look amazing! I can’t wait to try them!
Katie says
Do you store these in a sealed container at room temp., or do you refrigerate them?
Katie says
Do you store these in a sealed container at room temp. or in the refrigerator? Or some other way? I’m making them tonight for a party tomorrow! Thanks!
Zachary and Sarah @ HHG says
Hey Katie, I’m sorry I’m so late in replying!! 🙁 If you are going to stack them, I would either put them in the refrigerator or I even actually froze some and they were just fine to eat, once I let them thaw out a bit! If not, then they are just fine to leave out. I hope this helps! Again, I’m sorry I’m so late! Let me know how they turn out for ya!! 🙂
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Just found your beautiful blog, and these AMAZING sugar cookie bars. Absolutely LOVE them!
Cat M says
I made these tonite…totally delicious. Thank u thank u thank u! So easy too 🙂
Taylor says
Made these for my sons snack day at school, and I kept a few for myself. Very yummy!
Whitby says
Awesome. I am so excited to try these. For me, it’s not the rolling out and cutting that’s annoying (I’m like you–I love the adventure of making cute shapes), it’s the 2 hours of refrigerating the dough that’s frustrating! I don’t think that far ahead when it comes to treats! So, I love that these don’t require any refrigeration! What a fast way to make sugar cookies. Thanks 🙂
Jakki says
Made these last night… HOLY COW!
Anthony says
They look delicious!
Libbie says
I plan to have my sister mke them for me 🙂 That way I can’t eat too many & no work! Shouldn’t be hard to trick her into it…I’m just gonna send her the link right now 🙂
Cookie Man says
These look so yummy! The ids an I can’t wait to get them in our tummy! Thanks for sharing that great recipe.
Carol K says
Making this recipe for the second time now….they were fabulous first time around. Today I will decorate the frosting with Butterfinger bits.
Carol K says
Making this recipe for the second time now….they were fabulous first time around. Today I will decorate the frosting with Butterfinger bits.
Mrs. Kluver says
These look amazing! Did you use a 9×13 pan or a jelly roll pan?
Thanks,
Sandy
Zachary and Sarah @ HHG says
Thanks girl! I used a 9×13 inch pan 🙂 I hope you love them!
Nicole Pond says
Made a batch to bring to the inlaws for our holiday visit and forgot them at home…..oh darn, guess the second batch was neccessary. Holy tum! Huge hit and easy!
katies7873 says
I made these this past weekend and they were delicious! I followed the recipie exactly. Everyone that tried them thought they were wonderful too. And so much easier than cutouts!!
Kari C says
My dough was also more like a crumble, but it pressed into the pan pretty easily, and the resulting cookie was fine. Just don’t overbake! I found 17 minutes to be more than enough baking time.
MamaLPSloup says
Hi! This looks tasty! Is the sour cream needed for consistency or taste? I’m asking because I want to make these right now but I don’t have sour cream on hand. Any substitutions? Thanks!
VanDyke Family says
They look delicious, making them as we speak. Going to a family dinner and I doubled the recipe and put them In a sheet cake pan. I can’t wait to try them! 🙂
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
They look so good! I am pinning 🙂
E.N.H. says
Wow, I made these last night when I was bored and they’re amazing. I didn’t have any half and half for the frosting so I used strawberry kefir. Pretty freakin good.
lucia mcgettigan says
I just made these! I didn’t have sour cream so we’ll see how that turns out…. also used milk instead of half & half for frosting and it still turned out delicious!
Gina says
These were ridiculously good. I promise I ate more than the 3 you claim you ate. How is that few even possible? I am making them a few days later (today) already. They were a hit and already requested again. Thank you!
Gina says
These were ridiculously good. I promise I ate more than the 3 you claim you ate. How is that few even possible? I am making them a few days later (today) already. They were a hit and already requested again. Thank you!
DaniV_Photo says
I just made these! They were pretty good but mine turned out pretty dry..any suggestions?? I’m new to baking so that could be it too 😉
Thanks for the recipe tho!
Auntie Bliss says
About to make these…you look like Reese Witherspoon 😀
zia ange says
Just made to batches of these for the holidays, i changed one thing and instead of the food color i added maraschino cherries and the juice. Huge hit!
Andrea Egan says
Hi! This is the best recipe. Thanks for sharing! I make them for teacher treat day and they are the biggest hit!
~Andrea
http://www.dcurbanexperiment.com
Arman Liew says
Not only are you the cheesecake queen, you are the bar queen too!
Shawna says
These are wonderful. I double the recipe and baked on a sheet pan. Made two of these double batch pans for an event and they were fantastic. I did cut off the edges as they got a little crunchy. Also cheated and used canned frosting but still amazing; everyone loved them. Thank you!
Becky says
We loved these! I used almond flavoring in the frosting and the cookies. I’m making them for Christmas plates.
highheelsandgrills says
Yum!! I’m a sucker for almond sugar cookies. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked them!! They’re one of my favorite desserts!
KB says
These are so good. I make them often, and my husband requests them when I have to bring a finger dessert to any kind of event. Easy to make them part of a celebration – change the frosting colour and add sprinkles! Thanks for sharing this recipe. They’re now part of my ‘repertoire’!
PS – just noticed the gorgeous floral dress you’re wearing in your picture. Where is it from??
Lou says
So yummy! I made these on a whim on Tuesday and I’m already planning to make them again on Thursday. Making these bars was easy, I had the ingredients on hand (except I used 1% milk instead of the half and half), and they tasted great. You mentioned them being surprisingly addicting and that’s so true! I took 3/4 of the pan as a second donation for a fundraiser and overheard teenage boys saying they wanted more of them. So it wasn’t just our family who loved them. Thank you!
highheelsandgrills says
This comment made me so happy to read! Aren’t they amazing?! I fall in love with them every time I make them. SOOO good!
Kirtika saha says
Damn! It’s look so delicious! I am trying these very soon!!!
Nicole says
What is the asterisk in step 7 for?
highheelsandgrills says
I think that was a typo when I switched formatting for the recipe last month. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!