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Judy John

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe features soft vanilla sugar cookie bars baked in one pan and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base:
  • 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups 375 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz 226 g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups 300 g powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Beat 1 cup butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl.
  5. Gradually combine dry mixture into wet ingredients.
  6. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
  7. Bake 20–22 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
  8. Cool completely before frosting.
  9. Beat cream cheese and ½ cup butter until smooth.
  10. Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing.
  11. Blend in vanilla extract and pinch salt.
  12. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
  13. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – per bar)

Calories: 340
Total Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g

Vitamins & Minerals (Approximate % per serving):

Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin D: 2%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 6%
Phosphorus: 5%

Additional Notes & Flavor Tips

  • Do not overbake to maintain soft texture.
  • Chill briefly before slicing for cleaner edges.
  • Add lemon zest to frosting for bright contrast.
  • Use gel coloring for decorative swirls.
  • Store refrigerated up to four days.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe delivers bakery-style flavor with minimal effort and maximum indulgence.