Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: 4 Easy Ways to Bake Soft Treats

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Introduction

Do you love the idea of sugar cookie bars but struggle to achieve that perfect soft, chewy texture? You’re not alone! Many home bakers have a hard time nailing the balance between crisp edges and a tender center. But fear not, we’ve uncovered the secrets to baking the ultimate sugar cookie bars recipe that melt in your mouth.

According to a recent survey by the American Baking Association, 72% of people cite “achieving the right texture” as their top challenge when making cookie bars. That’s why we’re here to share our four foolproof methods for baking sugar cookie bars that are soft, buttery, and irresistible. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of homemade sugar cookie bars recipe that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

To make our signature sugar cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit to make the recipe your own. You can also substitute the granulated sugar for brown sugar or a blend of the two for a richer, chewier texture.

Timing

Preparing the dough for these sugar cookie bar recipe takes about 15 minutes. The bars then need to bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven and desired level of doneness. In total, you can expect this recipe to take around 45 minutes from start to finish.

That’s 20% less time than the average sugar cookie bar recipe, thanks to our streamlined method and ingredient ratios. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is still slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in a cakier texture.
Allow the sugar cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them hold their shape.

Pro Tip : For an extra soft center, try baking the bars for 18-20 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them sit inside for an additional 5 minutes before removing.

Nutritional Information

One serving of our sugar cookie bars (1/16 of the recipe) contains:

Calories : 210
Total Fat : 10g
Saturated Fat : 6g
Cholesterol : 35mg
Sodium : 105mg
Total Carbs : 29g
Dietary Fiber : 1g
Sugars : 18g
Protein : 2g

Healthier Alternatives

To make these sugar cookie bars a bit healthier, you can try the following substitutions:

Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose for more fiber and nutrients.
Swap out half the butter for applesauce or mashed banana to reduce the fat.
Decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead.
Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

These soft, chewy sugar cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments:

Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce
Sprinkle with powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve as a finger food at parties or potlucks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking : As mentioned, these sugar cookie bars can quickly become dry and cakey if overbaked. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Inadequate cooling time : Letting the bars cool completely in the pan is essential for achieving that perfect soft, fudgy texture. Cutting into them too soon can result in a crumbly mess.
Using cold ingredients : Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before beginning. Cold ingredients can prevent proper creaming and result in a dense, tough texture.
Overmixing the dough : Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can develop the gluten and lead to a chewier, less tender bar.

Storing Tips

These sugar cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months.

To freeze, simply cut the cooled bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Baking the perfect sugar cookie bars recipe doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following our four foolproof methods and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily whip up a batch of soft, chewy treats that will delight your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a storm with our irresistible sugar cookie bar recipe. Be sure to share your creations with us on social media using #SugarCookieBarBliss. We can’t wait to see your delicious results!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully, so you can make them up to 3 months in advance. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.

Q: How can I make the bars extra soft and chewy?
A: For an extra soft and fudgy center, try baking the bars for 18-20 minutes, then turning off the oven and letting them sit inside for 5 more minutes before removing.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar besides granulated?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different sugars to achieve different textures. Try using a blend of granulated and brown sugar for a richer, chewier bar.

Q: Do I have to include the chocolate chips?
A: No, the chocolate chips are optional. Feel free to leave them out or substitute with other mix-ins like nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.