Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances melt-in-your-mouth softness with just the right amount of chewiness, you’ve stumbled upon a winner with this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe. These bars embody all the nostalgia of classic sugar cookies but with the ease of slicing bars instead of shaping individual cookies. And when topped with that luscious buttercream frosting, each bite becomes an irresistible blend of creamy sweetness and tender crumb that will quickly become your new go-to treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of texture and flavor. Each has an important role, from the richness of the butter and cream cheese to the tenderizing powers of cornstarch, making these bars a true standout.

• 3/4 cup salted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps achieve that tender, chewy texture.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the bars soft and flavorful.
• 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the structure light and fluffy.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together with its richness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Classic flavor enhancer that deepens the cookie’s aroma.
• 1 & 3/4 teaspoons almond extract: Brings a lovely nutty note that elevates the cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 & 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The foundation of structure for these bars.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Ensures a tender, soft crumb instead of a dense cookie bar.
• 1 batch of Buttercream Frosting for Sugar Cookies: The crowning glory that adds creamy sweetness on top.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch glass pan with parchment paper or foil, making sure to spray the foil if you choose that option. This step is a game-changer because it makes lifting the bars out effortless, which keeps their edges intact and perfect for slicing.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat your softened butter on medium speed until it’s soft and fluffy—roughly 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing, setting a smooth foundation for the rest of your ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Mix in the softened cream cheese and beat for about a minute. This extra bit of tangy richness is what makes these bars stand out, keeping them luxuriously soft and moist throughout.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugar

Add the granulated sugar and mix until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This step aerates your batter and builds that light crumb we all crave in soft sugar cookie bars.

Step 5: Mix in Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined. These ingredients give the bars both structure and a delightful aroma that feels nostalgic and a little special at the same time.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the salt, flour, and cornstarch, then beat on low speed just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix here since you want to maintain a tender bite rather than a tough, dense texture.

Step 7: Press the Dough

Transfer your dough to the prepared pan. Wet or lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking, then press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking. This hands-on step is oddly satisfying and helps you connect with the dough.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the bars at 350 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye—you’re looking for golden edges with a center that is no longer shiny but still soft. Overbaking will dry the bars out, so pulling them just at the right moment is the key to that perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. This step is critical because frosting warm bars will cause the buttercream to melt and slide right off, and no one wants that.

Step 10: Frost

Top your cooled bars with a batch of the best buttercream frosting for sugar cookies. Spread it evenly for that iconic, dreamy finish that makes these bars impossible to resist.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

To get clean edges like the photos, slice off about an inch from all four edges of the pan before cutting your bars. Make sure to clean your knife between cuts to keep each bar crisp and pretty.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Simple additions like sprinkles, edible glitter, or finely chopped nuts elevate the appearance and add a delightful crunch or color pop. Fresh berries on the side also make a bright, fresh contrast to the buttery bars.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully, especially if serving these bars as part of a dessert spread. A cup of tea or a glass of cold milk complements the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Think layered dessert bars: place a few bars beneath a layer of pudding and whipped cream for a quick icebox dessert. Or serve individual bars with drizzles of caramel or chocolate sauce for an elegant twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the buttercream frosting tastes best when fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting to avoid frosting melting or becoming too soft.

Reheating

Warm individual bars for about 10 seconds in the microwave to bring back that soft, freshly-baked feel. Avoid reheating the frosted bars directly, as the buttercream may lose its texture and become runny.

FAQs

Can I use all butter instead of butter and cream cheese?

While you can make these bars with just butter, adding cream cheese is what gives this Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe that unique soft texture and a slight tang. Butter alone results in a crisper, drier bar.

Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?

Almond extract adds a lovely depth and subtle nuttiness that really makes these bars stand out, but if you’re allergic or prefer not to use it, vanilla alone will still yield delicious results.

Can I substitute cornstarch with something else?

Cornstarch is crucial for tenderness here, so if you don’t have it, arrowroot powder can be a good substitute. Avoid skipping it altogether, or your bars might turn dense.

How should I slice the bars so they look perfect?

For the best presentation, slice off about an inch from all edges first, then slice into even bars. Clean your knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices to maintain clean edges and avoid crumb buildup.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly, and some experimentation may be needed for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It brings together the best of classic sugar cookies in a fun, fuss-free bar format, topped with irresistible frosting that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether for a potluck, special occasion, or simply because you deserve a delicious treat, I promise these bars will become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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