Easy Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (Print version)

Soft one-pan sugar cookie bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and sprinkles, easy to slice for parties, holidays, or lunchbox treats.

# Ingredients:

For the cookie bars

01 - 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional
06 - 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

For the cream cheese frosting

09 - 8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, plus more if needed
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of fine salt
14 - 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang, and lightly grease the exposed sides.
02 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes, until creamy and lighter in color. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extract.
03 - Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low just until combined. The dough will be thick.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of dough across the pan and press into an even layer with lightly greased hands. Bake for 20-24 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are just lightly golden.
05 - Let the cookie base cool fully in the pan. Do not frost while warm, or the frosting will soften and slide.
06 - Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then beat until fluffy. Add a little more powdered sugar if you want a firmer frosting.
07 - Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie base. Add sprinkles, chill for 15-20 minutes for cleaner cuts, then slice into 24 bars.

# Good to know:

01 - Cool the cookie base completely before frosting.
02 - Chill briefly before slicing for cleaner edges.
03 - Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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