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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

Delightful sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk *
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils) *
Frosting Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 and 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half *
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 drop food coloring (optional) for pink frosting
  • extra sprinkles for decorating on top (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Line an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides.
Making the Cookie Base
  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with a mixer on medium speed until smooth.
  2. Add the granulated sugar and mix until fluffy and light in color.
  3. Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch.
  5. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
  7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-26 minutes, until lightly browned on top.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Making the Frosting
  1. In another bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the confectioners' sugar, cream, and vanilla extract while mixing on low speed. Then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes.
  3. Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more sugar if too thin, or more cream if too thick.
  4. Add food coloring if desired.
Finishing Touches
  1. Lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and frost generously.
  2. Sprinkle extra sprinkles on top if desired.
  3. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the knife between cuts.

Notes

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, cut into squares and place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.