Soft Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are everything you love about a classic sugar cookie, just easier to make. They are baked thick and tender, and topped with a smooth layer of buttercream and colorful sprinkles. An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert with classic bakery flavor in every bite.

Makes 24 servings

Ingredients:

Bars:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened

• 1½ cups white sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting:

• ⅔ cup salted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 tablespoons heavy cream

• food coloring (optional)

• sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Bars:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10 inch rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix to combine. Add flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until fully blended.

3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading all the way to the edges.

4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.

3. Add the vanilla, followed by the heavy cream, and food coloring (if using). Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Spread onto cooled bars and add sprinkles (optional). Cut into squares and enjoy!