Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *easy sugar cookie bars*! They’re a total game changer in the dessert world! Seriously, if you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s incredibly simple to whip up and absolutely delicious, you’ve found it. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or just because you need a little something sweet to brighten your day! I love how they capture that classic sugar cookie flavor but in a delightful, shareable bar form. You can easily cut them into squares and share them with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!). Trust me, once you’ve tried these, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious easy sugar cookie bars! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step so you can impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those bars to bake evenly!
- While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your bars, so give it a good stir!
- In another bowl (I like to use a large one), cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins!
- Next, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until everything is well combined. The aroma will be heavenly at this point!
- Now, gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. You don’t want to overmix here. Just blend it until you see no more flour streaks.
- Spread the dough evenly into a greased baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch pan) and smooth it out with a spatula. It’s okay if it’s a little thick; they’ll rise beautifully!
- Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
- Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up for easier cutting!
And there you have it! Easy, delicious sugar cookie bars ready to be cut and enjoyed. I can already smell the sweetness!
Nutritional Information for Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
So, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these *easy sugar cookie bars*! Per serving, you’re looking at approximately 150 calories, which isn’t too shabby for a sweet treat. Each bar contains about 7 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. And hey, there’s 10 grams of sugar in each one, giving you that delightful sweetness we all crave! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, so it’s always a good idea to check if you’re keeping track of specific dietary needs. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Tips for Success with Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Okay, let’s make sure your *easy sugar cookie bars* turn out absolutely perfect! First off, if you like your bars a bit thicker, don’t hesitate to adjust the baking time. Just keep a close eye on them; you might need to add an extra 5 minutes or so if you’re using a smaller pan. Ooh, and if you want those edges to be extra chewy, try underbaking them by a minute or two—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Now for storage: once they’re cool, pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them, just make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature, and maybe even warm them up for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. Yum!
Variations of Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Now, let’s have some fun with these *easy sugar cookie bars*! One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Want to switch things up? Try adding different extracts! Instead of vanilla, you could use peppermint for a festive touch—perfect for the holidays! Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of coconut extract can transport you to a tropical paradise.
And don’t forget about mix-ins! You can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to make them extra special. For a fruity twist, try adding some dried cranberries or chopped strawberries into the batter. The possibilities are endless! Just imagine sinking your teeth into a bar filled with gooey chocolate or bursting with fruity goodness. Yum! Get creative and make these bars your own!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
When it comes to serving your *easy sugar cookie bars*, the sky’s the limit! I love to present them on a colorful platter, maybe with some fresh fruit on the side for a pop of color and freshness. Berries, sliced apples, or even a bowl of whipped cream for dipping can elevate your dessert game!
If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate or glaze over the top before cutting them into bars. It adds a lovely touch and makes them look oh-so-tempting! You could even sprinkle a little sea salt on top to balance out the sweetness—trust me, it’s a game changer!
And don’t forget about pairing them with a nice cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. These sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat any time of day! Enjoy your creations and watch them disappear!
FAQ about Easy Sugar Cookie Bars
Got questions about these *easy sugar cookie bars*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some common queries that might pop up!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, making them denser. If you want to try it, I recommend mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a nice balance!
How can I tell when the bars are done baking? Great question! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn a light golden brown and the center looks set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be delicious!
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them! Just remember to wrap them tightly.
Can I double the recipe? Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed. You’ll have even more delicious bars to share (or keep for yourself)!
Drucken
Easy Sugar Cookie Bars: 7 Irresistible Secrets Revealed
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 bars 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Easy sugar cookie bars are simple to make and delicious to eat. They are perfect for any occasion.
Zutaten
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and extracts, then mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Spread the dough into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with icing or sprinkles.
- Adjust baking time for thicker bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bar
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 21g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: easy sugar cookie bars
