Simple Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Decadent sugar cookie cream cheese bars emerge as the ultimate sweet indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.

Soft, creamy layers blend perfectly with a buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth.

Every bite promises a rich, luxurious experience that satisfies deep chocolate cravings.

The delicate balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet sugar cookie creates a harmonious dessert symphony.

Crumbly yet smooth textures dance together in each delightful square.

These bars deliver pure comfort and joy on a plate.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible treat.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty. The cookie base will still turn out delicious.

• How do I know when the sugar cookie base is perfectly baked?

Look for light golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The center should look set but not dry or overcooked.

• What if my cream cheese frosting is too thick?

Add a splash of milk, one teaspoon at a time, and mix until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just add decorative sprinkles right before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Cream Cheese Bars That Steal the Show

• Whip up these delightful sugar cookie cream cheese bars with minimal kitchen skills needed, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Combines the classic comfort of sugar cookies with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easily customize with seasonal sprinkles or decorations, making these bars ideal for holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to create a showstopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

All the Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the sugar cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, soft cookie base.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cookie base rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sugar cookie base.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Combine to create a smooth, creamy, and rich frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to both the cookie base and frosting.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's texture if needed.

• Candy Hearts, Sprinkles: Provide a festive and colorful finishing touch to the bars.

Equipment for Bar Baking Success

• Stand Mixer: Essential for effortlessly mixing cookie base and frosting, with paddle attachment for smooth blending.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating even, perfectly shaped cookie bars.
• Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove bars from pan and prevents sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing ingredients and mixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps spread dough and frosting evenly in the pan.
• Toothpick: Used to check cookie base doneness.
• Knife: For slicing bars into clean, neat pieces.

Making Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

Grab your stand mixer with the paddle attachment.

Whip the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy.

Slowly pour in the granulated sugar while mixing.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Pause the mixer.

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix on low speed until the ingredients form a smooth dough.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan using your fingers.

Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The cookie base is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

Allow the base to cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Clean your mixer bowl.

Beat the softened butter and whipped cream cheese together for one minute until super fluffy.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.

If the frosting seems too thick, splash in a bit of milk to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once the cookie base has cooled entirely, spread the cream cheese frosting in an even layer.

Get creative with decorations – sprinkle some candy hearts or colorful sprinkles on top.

Slice into bars and enjoy your delightful treat!

Tips for Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars

• Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing without overbeating.
• Mix dry ingredients gently and briefly to avoid tough, dense cookie base – stop mixing once ingredients just combine.
• Allow cookie base to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean, crisp frosting layer.
• Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to spread cream cheese frosting evenly for professional-looking bars.
• Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes after frosting to help frosting set and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

Tasty Swaps for Sugar Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Cookie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Cream Cheese Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream cheese and vegan butter. Use egg replacer or mashed banana for binding.
• Low-Sugar Cookie Bars: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce total sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Seasonal Flavor Variation: Incorporate orange zest or lemon extract into the cookie base for a citrusy undertone. Add corresponding seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar on top for festive touch.

Serving Up Sugar Cookie Bars for Dessert

• Party Perfect Plating: Arrange bars on a festive cake stand with pastel-colored doilies for elegant dessert gatherings.
• Sweet Gifting Idea: Package individually wrapped bars in clear cellophane with ribbon for charming homemade party favors or holiday presents.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful weekend morning treat that looks professionally prepared.
• Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or toasted coconut on top to add unexpected texture and gourmet flair to these creamy bars.

Storage Solutions for Cream Cheese Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into squares, separate with parchment paper, and place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

Sugar Cookie Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful sugar cookie cream cheese bars showcase a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Creamy layers between buttery cookie crusts promise a memorable dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 ounces (85 grams) whipped cream cheese
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Cookie Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Decoration Ingredients:

• Candy hearts or sprinkles for decorating
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
2. Using a stand mixer, cream butter until light and airy, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar until well blended.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
4. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using fingertips to create a smooth, uniform layer.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with minimal crumbs.
7. Allow the cookie base to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
8. For the frosting, whip butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and well incorporated.
9. Blend in vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth.
10. If needed, adjust frosting consistency by adding a small amount of milk.
11. Once the cookie base is entirely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
12. Embellish with festive candy hearts or colorful sprinkles for a decorative touch.
13. Slice into bars and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters softened butter ensures smooth mixing and helps create a tender cookie base with the perfect texture.
• Pan Preparation use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars without sticking.
• Mixing Technique mix dry ingredients on low speed to prevent overworking the dough, which can make the base tough and dense.
• Frosting Consistency adjust powdered sugar and milk carefully to achieve a spreadable, creamy frosting that’s not too runny or stiff.
• Dietary Modifications swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
• Flavor Variations add lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting or sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for extra crunch and complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg