Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sugar Cookie Bars



Wow! My last post was such a bummer I had to post something fantastic right quick, and these Sugar Cookie Bars are just what we need to get over that sad Pink Lemonade Bundt Cake. These bars are everything a delicious frosted sugar cookies should be, plus more!

They are super fast and easy because they are bars (no rolling and cutting, or even scooping), they are soft and chewy, and the frosting is perfect. This recipe makes a big pan, so you might want to make plans ahead of time for giving some away. Or putting some in the freezer. Or both.

I made these ones for my sister to take to an activity at church, so thankfully I was only left with the edges and a few squares to take pictures of and feed to my kids. I say "thankfully" because I think I might have eaten myself into Sugar-Cookie-Bar oblivion had the whole pan stayed in my house...I totally lack self control when it comes to good frosted sugar cookies.

As always, these bars are formulated for my high altitude, but will also work beautifully at lower altitudes.


Sugar Cookie Bars

for the bars
1 1/2 cups butter, cold and cut into pieces
2 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

for the frosting
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable shorting
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar (sifted if from a box)
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (you can use milk, but it won't be as creamy)
1-2 drops gel food coloring of your choice (I used 1 drop Royal Blue)
sprinkles, if desired

1. Heat your oven to 350. Line a baking sheet (18x13) with foil and spray with non-stick spray.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the salt, baking powder, and half of the flour. Mix well and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining flour and mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes.

3. Use a muffin scoop or large spoon to scoop the dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to gently press the dough into an even layer, paying attention to the edges and corners.

4. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or  until lightly browned on the top and it feels soft and springy (kind of like a pancake) but not doughy or gooey when you touch the top with your finger. Cool completely before frosting.

5. For the frosting, cream together the butter and shortening. Add the vanilla; mix well and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix well on medium-low; scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining powdered sugar and the cream (1 tablespoons at a time) to make the frosting creamy and spreadable. Add the food coloring and mix well. Spread the frosting on the cooled bars and add sprinkles immediately so they will stick.

Makes about 56 bars

3 comments:

  1. Hi Tiffiny, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  2. These sugar cookie bars were perfect when I needed to bake something for coffee/fellowship at church. They appealed to adults and kids alike. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for coming back and telling me about your cookies! Tonight (I kid you not) I was at my sister's house and she had a tray of these cookies with green frosting and Christmas sprinkles. I ate way more than I should have ;D Thanks again!

      Delete

I'd love to hear from you! Please use the form below to send any questions or comments you may have :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...