Sugar Cookie Bars
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars (Easy One-Bowl Recipe)
If you love sugar cookies but don’t want to spend time rolling, chilling, or cutting dough — these Sugar Cookie Bars are about to be your new favorite dessert.
They’re soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with that classic sugar cookie flavor, but way easier to make. You just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice — no fuss, no mess.
Whether you top them with frosting and sprinkles for a festive treat or enjoy them plain for a simple, buttery dessert, these sugar cookie bars are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars
No chill, no roll, no cutters! All the flavor of sugar cookies with a fraction of the work.
Soft, chewy texture: Thick, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars that stay soft for days.
Perfect for holidays or parties: Easy to decorate with frosting or sprinkles.
Made with simple ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry already.
Customizable: Add almond extract, a glaze, or even chocolate drizzle.
These bars are the kind of cozy, classic treat you’ll want to bake over and over — especially during the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these soft and buttery sugar cookie bars:
1/2 cup butter, softened – Gives that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
2/3 cup sugar – Sweetens and adds a light crispness to the edges.
1 large egg – Helps bind everything and keeps the bars chewy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warm, classic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Makes them taste like bakery sugar cookies.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while staying soft.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Keeps the bars light and soft.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
Optional frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or nondairy)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles for topping
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add egg and extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press and bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and frost: Let the bars cool completely before frosting or slicing.
That’s it — soft, chewy, buttery sugar cookie bars ready to slice and serve!Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the center still looks slightly soft for the best texture.
Use parchment paper: It makes removing and slicing easy.
Make them festive: Add holiday sprinkles, tint the frosting, or drizzle with white chocolate.
For thicker bars: Use a smaller pan (like 7x7) and bake a few extra minutes.
Flavor Variations
You can easily turn these simple cookie bars into new treats every time!
Funfetti Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1/3 cup colorful sprinkles to the dough.
Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: Top with vanilla or cream cheese frosting and extra sprinkles.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Drizzle Bars: Drizzle cooled bars with melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
The possibilities are endless — just one base recipe and countless flavor options.
How to Store
Store sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Thaw and add frosting or glaze before serving for the best texture.
Perfect for Holidays and Celebrations
These bars make the perfect holiday baking dessert — soft, buttery, and easy to decorate for any occasion. Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for spring gatherings.
They’re also a crowd favorite at bake sales, parties, or cozy nights in with a cup of tea.
If you’re a fan of simple, nostalgic desserts that always hit the spot, these Sugar Cookie Bars deserve a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Makes: 9–12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press dough evenly into the pan and bake 15–18 minutes.
Cool completely before frosting or slicing into bars.
Enjoy your soft, chewy sugar cookie bars — perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you’re craving something buttery and sweet.
