Delightful sugar cookie bars with a buttery vanilla flavor and creamy frosting, perfect for sharing and any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookie bars
1 cup unsalted butter – room temperature
8 oz cream cheese – room temperature
1.5 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
2.75 cup all-purpose flour
For the frosting
6 tablespoon unsalted butter – room temperature
2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
0.25 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
Food coloring – optional Optional for decoration
Method
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving two sides hanging over for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and cream cheese. Beat in the granulated sugar until creamy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add salt and all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. If needed, knead the dough with your hands for better mixing.
Place the cookie dough into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Baking
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set.
Allow to cool for 1 hour before frosting.
Frosting
For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
Add lemon juice, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar.
Incorporate food coloring if desired.
Serving
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle with decorations.
Let the frosting harden before cutting into bars.