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Transform classic sugar cookies into easy-to-make bars topped with luxurious cream cheese frosting. This recipe delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional sugar cookies without the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. Perfect for any occasion, these bars combine a buttery, tender base with silky smooth frosting that's sure to become a family favorite.
Through countless batches, I discovered that the precise butter-to-flour ratio creates the perfectly tender texture that makes these bars irresistible.
Essential Elements
European-style butter ensures rich flavor
Block cream cheese creates smooth frosting
Pure vanilla extract adds depth
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Properly measured flour maintains tenderness
Room temperature ingredients blend perfectly
Creating Cookie Magic
Line with parchment for easy removal.
Beat butter and sugar until perfectly creamy.
Sprinkle and mix gently for tenderness.
Press dough carefully into corners.
Allow full cooling before frosting.
Apply glaze evenly for shine.
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Years of perfecting this recipe taught me that attention to detail creates bakery-quality results.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Transform these bars into celebration-worthy treats by decorating them for different occasions. Create holiday magic with themed sprinkles and candies, or keep them classic with a smooth, unadorned frosting. For special events, cut into precise squares and arrange on a tiered platter with fresh berries.
Sweet Variations
Customize these bars for any celebration or season:
- Add crushed candy canes for Christmas
- Use pastel colors and egg candies for Easter
- Create Halloween treats with orange and black sprinkles
- Mix in different extracts for unique flavor profiles
Storage Success
Keep your bars fresh by storing them properly in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They maintain their perfect texture for three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to three months, wrapped well in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and frosting.
Make-Ahead Magic
These bars shine as a make-ahead dessert. One particularly busy holiday season, preparing these bars in advance saved precious time while still delivering perfect results. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they develop and meld together.
Professional Tips
Use a hot knife for clean cuts
Beat cream cheese alone first for smoothest frosting
Keep ingredients at same temperature
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Line pan with overhanging parchment
My journey with these sugar cookie bars has evolved from simple necessity to creating the perfect celebration dessert. Remember, great bars combine quality ingredients with proper technique, creating treats that bring joy to any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Best butter to use?
- European-style preferred but any unsalted works.
- → How to store?
- Refrigerate up to 5 days due to cream cheese.
- → Can I freeze?
- Freeze unfrosted bars up to 3 months.
- → Frosting too thick?
- Add small splash of milk to thin if needed.
- → Why line pan?
- Makes removal and cutting much easier.