Sugar Cookie Bars
Why You Should Try These Sugar Cookie Bars
Hey there! Let me tell you about these sugar cookie bars. They’re the kind of treat that reminds me of cozy afternoons at my grandma’s house. We’d be in the kitchen, and she’d be telling stories while I snuck little bits of dough when she wasn’t looking (who could resist?). So yeah, these bars are basically happiness in a bite. I make them whenever I want to feel that little bit of old-school magic again.
Ingredients List
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or try half-and-half with whole wheat if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (I sometimes use salted and reduce the added salt)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (completely optional but adds a nice touch)
Let’s Get Baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Okay, here’s where I confess: I often forget to preheat until halfway through—oops!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside while you work on the fun stuff.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. Seriously, don’t skimp on this step; it’s key to that perfect texture.
- Beat in the egg and extracts until well combined. I usually taste a smidge here just to make sure it’s on point.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t worry if it looks like it’s falling apart; it always comes together!
- Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I sometimes line it with parchment for easy cleanup. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden (a little underdone is our preference).
- Let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares, if you can wait!
Notes from My Kitchen Experiments
I once tried adding chocolate chips to the mix, thinking it’d be amazing, but it just didn’t mesh well for me. Stick to the classics here; they’re classic for a reason!
Mix It Up: Variations I’ve Tried
- Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing twist, just a touch though.
- Colored sprinkles: Perfect for a festive touch, especially for birthday parties.
Do You Need Special Equipment?
Honestly, a good old-fashioned mixing bowl and spatula will do the trick. But if you’ve got a stand mixer, life’s a bit easier (and quicker!).
Storing the Goodies
If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. But if your household is anything like mine, they won’t last past the second day.
How We Serve ‘Em Up
These are perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. My kids love them for after-school snacks, and I admit—they’re great for breakfast too.
Lessons Learned: Pro Tips
Don’t rush the cooling process. I tried once, and they crumbled all over! Patience is key, trust me.
FAQ Time!
Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and they’ll keep for a couple of months.
What if I don’t have almond extract? No worries, just use more vanilla. It’ll still be awesome.
Try these bars and let me know what you think—just make sure you save at least one for yourself before your family devours them all!
