Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars | Gluten Free
Perfect thick, chewy sugar cookies in bar form with a layer of soft frosting on top make the best sweet treat for any occasion!
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 249kcal
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 8 tbsp butter softened (one stick)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Frosting
- 6 tbsp butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk to your preference
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8 or 9" square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a fork or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, whip the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and almond extract and whip again to incorporate. Add the cream cheese and whip again until nice and smooth. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Add the flour and baking powder and mix until no flour is visible.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish, using wet hands/fingers to press it down lightly into the pan and smooth over the top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown and the bars are set (don't jiggle too much when you shake the pan). Allow the bars to cool to room temp before frosting.
For the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whip the softened butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, and mix until the sugar is all incorporated and the frosting is creamy, smooth, and fluffy. Use the frosting at room temperature.
- Once the bars have cooled, frost generously and finish with sprinkles if you like! Store on the counter for up to 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. ENJOY!
Nutrition
Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg