Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Vanilla Buttercream

Feb 25

What Makes These Irresistible?

These irresistible cookie bars are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with a hint of vanilla. Topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream and festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for any occasion! Plus, the optional Robin Egg speckle effect and raspberry hearts make them extra special.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

½ cup salted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 tsp baking powder

For the Frosting:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
Festive sprinkles or food coloring (see Notes for variations)

Instructions

For the Cookie Bars:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and sugar, then mix until fully combined.
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Lightly butter your hands or a spatula, then evenly press the dough into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes: Bake just until the edges are starting to turn light golden brown. Inserted toothpick in the middle will have a moist crumbs. (Do not overbake! The bars should be very moist, and almost slightly underbaked in the middle.)
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar and milk, then mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars, using the back of a spoon to create soft swirls.
Add sprinkles or decorative elements as desired.
Cut & Serve: Slice into 9 large bars or 12 smaller bars. Enjoy!