Photo by Anna Beck
Every holiday growing up, my older sister and I would often find a way to decorate sugar cookies. There was always a cut-out shape that matched the season. Now with my little nieces running around my parents’ home, there are more hands in the kitchen during holidays. There is also a bit more flour on the floor. And definitely more laughter.
This recipe is inspired by that beloved decorated sugar cookie. I can’t think of a family holiday without it. But here, the dough is pressed into a pan for easy baking—especially if you’re baking with kids!
If you need a crowd-worthy dessert, this is it. It’s thick, soft, and sweet and perfect for any spring gathering.
Sugar Cookie Bars:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6–7 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients, then add the milk to moisten the dough.
- Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray. Press the dough into the pan, pressing it out almost to the edges—the dough will spread to the edge when baking.
- Bake in a 375-degree oven for 15 minutes. Let cool completely, and then frost with buttercream frosting (recipe below).
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat all of the ingredients in a mixer until fluffy and smooth. Add food coloring, if using. Spread frosting on the cookie, and top with sprinkles, if desired. Store any remaining frosting in the refrigerator or freeze.
- Cut cookie into bars of desired size.
Photo by Anna Beck
