Unveil a dessert that challenges the chocolate hegemony with these Soft-Baked Sugar Cookie Bars. Crafted from just a handful of simple ingredients, these bars embody the essence of what makes sugar cookies so irresistible—soft, chewy textures with a hint of vanilla, all topped with a creamy frosting that perfectly complements the cookie base. Whether you’re a staunch chocolate aficionado or a lover of all things sweet, this recipe is bound to make you reconsider your dessert allegiances.
Why You’ll Love This: Beyond their delightful flavor, these sugar cookie bars are marvelously easy to make, requiring only four basic ingredients for the cookie base and a straightforward frosting to match. They’re an instant hit for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings, promising to please crowds with their familiar yet indulgent taste. The addition of holiday sprinkles not only adds a festive touch but also brings a joyful crunch to each bite.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for holiday festivities, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these sugar cookie bars are versatile and universally loved. They’re a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, offering a sweet pause in any day. Plus, their easy preparation makes them a fantastic baking project to undertake with children, friends, or anyone looking to spread a little sweetness.
Decoration Tips:
- Customize the frosting with food coloring to match the theme of your gathering or holiday.
- Use a variety of sprinkle shapes and colors for a playful and visually appealing finish.
- For an elegant twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted bars before adding sprinkles.
Ingredients:
Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated cane sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter, softened
Topping:
- Holiday sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla with a hand mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in oat flour, baking powder, and sea salt to the wet mixture until a dough forms. If necessary, use your hands to ensure it’s well combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely. For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then incorporate the softened butter until a creamy frosting forms.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, and refrigerate briefly to set the frosting.
- Slice into bars and serve, offering a moment of sweet, soft-baked bliss to all who indulge.
Embrace the simplicity and joy of baking with these Soft-Baked Sugar Cookie Bars, a recipe destined to become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and share the love with friends and family this holiday season and beyond.
