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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Sugar Cookie Bars



Sometimes, simple is good. Sugar cookies are one of those things that don't need to be fancied up at all, they're tasty already - as they are - simple. I like this recipe because it's perfect for when you're too lazy to roll out dough and use cookie cutters.



Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, softened
1 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat to 375. Sift together the flour, salt & baking soda to combine, and set aside. Spray a 9 x 13 cookie sheet (with raised sides) with non-stick spray. Put the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and turn on to cream the butter. Slowly add the sugar and mix until creamy, about two minutes. Add the eggs and mix to combine. Add vanilla. In three parts, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir just to combine, scraping the bowl in between additions. Spread the dough in the 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 14 - 19 minutes, or until it is slightly golden around the edges. Leave in pan to cool, on a wire rack. When completely cool, spread with about 1 cup of frosting (recipe below), or to taste. Wait until frosting has set a bit before cutting, at least a half hour.



Buttercream Frosting this recipe makes a lot more than you'll need for this, but it stores really well in the frig. I just make it in big batches and save it for future use.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 C solid white vegetable shortening
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1/3 C + 2 tablespoons warm water
a 2 LB bag of confectioner's sugar

Add shortening to the electric mixer bowl and turn on to cream it. Add 1/2 the sugar and mix on low to combine (you'll certainly want your bowl's dust lid/shield thing on at this point!). Add the warm water and mix to a paste. Once it is creamed, add the rest of the sugar. Mix. Add the extract. Mix to combine completely, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Then, turn mixer to high and beat to about 8 minutes. Store in the frig for up to 8 - 12 weeks (seriously!).

16 comments:

Elyse said...

These bars looks scrumptious! I'm all about pressing cookies into a pan and calling it a day--so much easier than rolling out sometimes! I love a nice classic sugar cookie, so I can't wait to try these--especially with the buttercream frosting!

snarflemarfle said...

I have been thinking about some sugar cookies I got at a local bakery for my son's birthday a few weeks ago. They were really thick and had a hint of lemon. I bet a little lemon zest added to this recipe would be lovely!

I'm guessing they're just as soft and chewy as they look in the picture?

Maria♥ said...

These are so cute!!

Maria
x

Anonymous said...

Simple but pretty! love it:)

Donna-FFW said...

These look soo pretty and so kid friendly. LOVE bar cookies, so easy to do and good results! PLUS you can make them as big or as small as you want.

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Duh, that seems like a no brainer yet I've not thought to try sugar cookie bars. I love bars. So easy & less time consuming.

Love the bright sprinkles on top!
~ingrid

Ann said...

Oh yum! I swear, most times there is nothing better than a cookie w/ frosting, LOTS of frosting...

Sara said...

These look so good! Sugar cookies are my favorite, I like the idea of making them in bar form.

Tami said...

I love the idea of sugar cookies bars. Very easy to pack into lunches..etc. :)

apparentlyjessy said...

I adore the look of these, something about the white and the coloured sprinkles is bringing me back to my childhood, this recipe is one I have to try...maybe one day Ill make it for my kids...something to remember from their childhood when they are older...
mmmm sprinkles...and sugar cookie...

Foodiewife said...

I'm so glad that I came across this posting. These look beautiful, and delicious. I had some sugar cookie dough that I froze, because I never made them at Christmas. I ended up making logs and sliced them.

But THIS! What a great idea. Duh! Why didn't I think of it.

Debby

Cassie said...

I am wondering if there is supposed to be more butter in this recipe (perhaps one cup instead of one stick)? I tried this and it didn't turn out. I was left with a crumby mess that smelled like delicious sugar cookies but closer resembled couscous!

Stephanie said...

Hey Cassie,
Nope, it's actually one stick. I double checked myself, and it is 1 stick, or 1/2 C. Mine was a crumbly mess too, that's why you have to press it down firmly into your pan. I'm sorry you had some difficulties! Maybe mine was a little bit moister because I live in Florida where the humidity is higher?

Reeni said...

How pretty! They look so good!

Foodiewife said...

I made these and posted them on my food blog. All I can say is that these are sinfully sweet, indulgent, easy to make-- and it brings back childhood memories. I must give the rest away, because my scale told me to.

Thanks for the recipe!

Debby

Nina said...

These were amazing. Even though I had used store bought frosting, it was still really good =]

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