Description
Soft, chewy, and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a creamy, non-cracking cream cheese frosting and festive rainbow sprinkles. Easier than traditional cookies and perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 oz (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ cup (60g) rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until just combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Transfer dough to the prepared pan. Press evenly into the corners using fingers or a measuring cup.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center looks slightly soft. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 30 minutes).
- While bars cool, beat the cream cheese and ¼ cup butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then beat on medium for 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and milk/cream if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
- Slice into squares and serve. For clean cuts, chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Ensure butter is room temperature, not melted, to prevent greasy bars. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in frosting. Do not overbake; bars firm up as they cool. For best texture, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 36
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, rainbow sprinkles, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, bake sale, soft cookies, party treats