Secrets from the Cookie Princess: Sugar Cookie Bars

So what exactly does 21 pans of brownies and bar desserts look like?

Yup. It's a lot. But Madaline and Ernie report that the nearly 250 people at their event enjoyed them all, thrilled that they could choose two, which helped narrow the options from the six different treats I made, which included Cakey Brownies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Swirled Blondies, Oatmeal Cranberry Bars, traditional Rice Krispies Treats and these Sugar Cookie Bars, which were a huge hit with the kids thanks to the colorful sprinkles. And these bars are very tasty. Soft and sweet like a firm sugar cookie, these bars have a nice texture and really taste amazing. While typically I would have gone for the vanilla frosting smeared on top, knowing that these bars would be served on a hot August night in a camp setting, the frosting just didn't seem fitting. Instead, sanding sugar in a rainbow of colors worked to impart a little crunchy sweetness and a little fun. Super tasty and so easy, I look forward to making these bars again.

When I knew I'd be making so many bars for this event, I scoured my Pinterest board devoted to the dessert, knowing I'd pinned this recipe from Jaclyn at Cooking Classy. It's such a simple recipe and can be dressed up or down, and color coordinated for your event or occasion. Topped with your favorite frosting or just dusted with sugar or sprinkles, these bars are lovely. I didn't make any changes to Jaclyn's recipe, but you could certainly alter the extract flavors for a bit more fun. I really like how the touch of sour cream imparts the softness that makes these bars taste so much like their cookie counterpart. These would be perfect birthday baking or for a bake sale. But really, do you need a reason? Just make them!

Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg white
1 1/2 Tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
colored sanding sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, scraping sides of bowl as necessary.

Stir in egg and egg white. Then add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until blended.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture and stir until combined, using a paddle attachment on a stand mixer or by hand).