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When I serve a lot of people, I prefer bars because it’s quicker than forming and frosting individual cookies. Sugar cookie bars look inviting left in the pan or set out on a simple platter. I love desserts that I can make ahead of time and just set out for guests to have whenever they feel like something sweet. Sugar Cookie Birthday Bars are my favorite combination of soft sugar cookie dough and creamy homemade frosting with hints of almond extract. Make this recipe ahead of time and just leave in your fridge. They will be a hit among adults and kids alike. Enjoy!

Soft & chewy sugar cookie dough baked just until set and then spread with a quick and easy cream cheese frosting.

Here are a few details:

Ready for a party

Make ahead of time, cover, and leave in the fridge!

New dome serving platter

How cute is this little dome serving platter? Hearth & Hand cake dome platter from Target.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! I actually prefer eating them cold.

Can I leave out the almond extract?

Yes, you certainly can. I love the addition of almond extract when I bake sugar cookie recipes, but it can easily be omitted, and the flavor will still be perfect.

Easy Sweet Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

by Katie Heath
One of my favorite make ahead kid-friendly desserts
Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

For the frosting;

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 16 oz. powdered sugar, one standard box
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Instructions

  • Grease a 9 by 13 pan and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Add butter and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extract and mix well.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely.

For the frosting:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine butter and cream cheese and mix until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Add vanilla and almond extract. Mix well, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to make sure it is all combined. Frost the sugar cookies. Cut into bars and serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Katie’s Tips:
*When you’re baking, it’s important to make sure you use room temperature ingredients. Leave butter on the counter for an hour before baking if you remember!
*Make sure the sugar cookie layer is cooled before putting on the frosting or else it will melt.
*Cream cheese frosting is pretty forgiving. You can add a milk to loosen it up if it’s too thick. 
*Omit the almond extract if you don’t like the added taste.
*Keep leftovers covered in the fridge. I actually prefer the bars cold.
*This recipe is adapted from this popular recipe on Tastes Better From Scratch.  
Made it? Tag @katieskitchencounter on Instagram. I’d love to see!

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