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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Frosted sugar cookie bars bake in a 9x13-inch pan for soft, chewy centers and lightly golden edges. A creamy vanilla frosting and easy-to-cut squares make them a simple treat to share.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 232
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Make the cookie bars
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Make the frosting
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking pan

Method
 

Make the cookie bars
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  4. Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
  6. Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture just until no dry streaks remain.
  7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  9. Cool completely in the pan.
Make the frosting
  1. Beat the butter in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and milk until creamy and spreadable.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
  4. Cut into 24 pieces.

Notes

For neat slices, cool the bars completely before frosting. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter and milk.