Soft sugar cookie bars
Soft sugar cookie bars provide a buttery, chewy foundation.Creamy frosting adds a smooth and indulgent layer.Fresh berries bring natural sweetness, color, and brightness.The dough is baked in one pan for easy preparation.The bars are perfect for parties, picnics, and celebrations.Serve chilled or slightly cool for the best texture.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For the Berry Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for approximately 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.
Add the Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until completely incorporated.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing
Press into the Pan
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.Use lightly floured hands or a spatula to press it evenly across the pan.
Bake
- Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set.Do not overbake—the bars should remain soft.Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla.Add 1–2 tablespoons of cream or milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Frost the Cookie Bars
- Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cookie base.
Add the Berries
- Arrange the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries over the frosting.For a more decorative appearance, alternate the berries in rows or scatter them naturally across the surface.
Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate the bars for approximately 30 minutes to help the frosting firm up.Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares or rectangles.Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for a smoother cookie dough.
- Don't overbake because sugar cookie bars can become dry quickly.
- Cool the base completely before adding the frosting.
- Use fresh berries for the best flavor and appearance.
- Pat berries dry after washing to prevent excess moisture from getting into the frosting.
- Cut strawberries into small pieces for easier eating.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
- Refrigerate leftovers because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit.