Description
Soft, chewy sugar cookie bars with a fluffy pink frosting. This easy one-pan recipe requires no rolling and is perfect for busy parents and school parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Pink sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Press evenly into the pan using greased hands or a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While bars cool, beat the frosting butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add pink food coloring and beat until desired shade is reached. Spread evenly over the completely cooled bars.
- Sprinkle with pink sprinkles if desired. Let frosting set for 10-15 minutes, then cut into squares.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the dough to keep bars tender. Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Protein: 2
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, pink frosting, easy dessert, kids favorite, school party treat, one pan baking, soft cookies