Making Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil reduces saturated fat while margarine is often less expensive.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, while granulated sugar is more affordable.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 9x13 inch glass pan with parchment paper or foil.

In a mixer, beat 3/4 cup of softened butter on medium speed until soft and fluffy.

Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and mix for another minute.

Add 1.5 cups of sugar and mix.

Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1.75 teaspoons almond extract and mix.

Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 2.75 cups of all-purpose flour, and mix until just barely combined to avoid tough dough.

Plop the mixture into the lined pan.

Wet fingers slightly to press the dough down into the pan, or use cooking spray if preferred.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking at 26 minutes for doneness.

Let the bars cool completely before making the buttercream frosting.

For the frosting, combine 2 sticks of softened butter and 2.5 teaspoons of vanilla in a mixer.

Start mixing on low to avoid powdered sugar flying everywhere, then increase speed once incorporated.

Add 1 pound of powdered sugar gradually, then add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach desired consistency.

Add one drop of food gel to achieve a light pink color and mix until combined.

Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars.

Cut the bars into pieces as desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens