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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Using a stand mixer, cream butter until light and airy, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar until well blended.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms.
- Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using fingertips to create a smooth, uniform layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with minimal crumbs.
- Allow the cookie base to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
- For the frosting, whip butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and well incorporated.
- Blend in vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth.
- If needed, adjust frosting consistency by adding a small amount of milk.
- Once the cookie base is entirely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
- Embellish with festive candy hearts or colorful sprinkles for a decorative touch.
- 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