Springtime Sugar Cookie Bars

Make springtime gatherings extra sweet with these easy Sugar Cookie Bars!

Sugar cookies are a must-have at Easter parties, however, sometimes I just don't have the time or the energy for all of the chilling, rolling, cutting, and hand-decorating. Packed with all of the deliciousness of sugar cookies and taking minimal effort, these Springtime Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect shortcut dessert for any occasion (even for a rainy afternoon). Not only are they simple enough to make that the kids can help, but the dough can be frozen ahead of time if you are in a time crunch!

To make these decadent Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you will need a few simple ingredients, and of course, springtime sprinkles. You will also need mixing bowls, a spatula, and a 9x13 baking pan.

Follow the recipe below to mix up the cookie dough. Once combined, it should be light and fluffy.

Press the cookie dough into a 9x13 baking pan lined with a silicone baking mat or a sheet of parchment paper and spread it out evenly. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For a soft and chewy cookie, do not over-bake. Allow the bars to cool completely. 

While the cookie bars are cooling, whip up the decadent vanilla buttercream frosting. Add a little bit of food coloring to make the frosting a pretty, pastel pink.

Let the cookie bars cool completely! Then, use a spatula frost the top with a generous amount of vanilla buttercream frosting. Immediately top the cookie bars with pretty springtime sprinkles. The more, the better! You can also top with M&Ms or other candies.

Remove the bars from the pan. Cut the cookie bars into 15 equal pieces, and then serve. Making sugar cookies for a crowd couldn't be easier!!

Springtime Sugar Cookie Bars

Servings: 15 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Sugar Cookie Bar Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda

Sugar Cookie Bar Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. 
2. Line an 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add in sugar, and mix until light and creamy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder and whisk until combined.
7. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough will be thick.
8. Press the dough evenly into the baking pan with the back of a spatula.
9. Bake 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
10. Allow the cookie bars to fully cool in the pan.
11. Once completely cooled, remove the cookie bars from the pan.
12. Frost (see below) and cut the bars into 18 equal pieces.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream
• Pink or red food coloring
• Sprinkles

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Directions:

1. Whip the butter in a bowl for 1 minute.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar to the butter, and mix until combined.
3. Add the vanilla and heavy cream, and fully incorporate until smooth.
4. Once everything is mixed together, add a little bit of pink or red food coloring until the frosting is a pastel pink.
5. Use a spatula to spread frosting on fully cooled cookie bars.
6. Top with a generous amount of pastel or springtime sprinkles.
7. Remove the bars from the pan, and cut into 2-3 inch squares.

Tips: 

• Storage: Keep cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days. If storing in layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between the cookie layers to keep the frosting looking great and to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freeze: Cookie bars can be frozen for up to 3 months! Wrap cookie bars in storage wrap, and then aluminum foil before freezing. Let the cookie bars thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Variations:

• Add extra mix-ins to the cookie dough such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts.
• Change up the frosting color and/or sprinkles to celebrate different holidays and events.

I'm so excited to make these easy Springtime Sugar Cookie Bars to share at any parties or gatherings, and hope you try them for yourself! They are SO yummy and are always a hit with the kids!! If you decide to give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear all about it! Please share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest!

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