Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

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Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

These sugar cookie bars are a dream—buttery, soft, and topped with creamy frosting. They’re easier than rolling and cutting individual cookies and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Soft & Chewy – Like a sugar cookie but even better.

✔ No Rolling or Cutting – Just bake, frost, and slice!

✔ Rich & Creamy Frosting – Sweet, tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the soft cookie.

✔ Perfect for Parties – A great potluck dessert.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but amazing!)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkles, for decorating

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

1. Make the Cookie Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
  • Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

2. Bake the Cookie Bars

  • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Frosting

  • In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

4. Frost & Decorate

  • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
  • Add sprinkles for a festive touch!

5. Slice & Serve

  • Cut into bars or squares and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars

🔹 Don’t overbake – The bars should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them.

🔹 Chill the frosting – If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before spreading.

🔹 Make it festive – Use seasonal sprinkles or food coloring to match any holiday.

🔹 Store leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations & Customizations

✔ Lemon Lover’s Version – Add zest of 1 lemon to the dough and frosting.

✔ Chocolate Twist – Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips instead of sprinkles.

✔ Holiday Theme – Use red & green sprinkles for Christmas, or pastels for Easter!

Final Thoughts

These Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars are simple, classic, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of buttery cookie and tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting makes them a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Make them for birthdays, holidays, or just because—they’re always a hit! 😊

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