Simple Sugar Cookie Bars
Try this Simple Sugar Cookie Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Simple Sugar Cookie Bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 4 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 scraped vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla paste
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1/4 cup sparkling decorating sugar (i used bob’s red mill
- Carbohydrate 19.7531179397123 g
- Cholesterol 204.42 mg
- Fat 21.2325345836235 g
- Fiber 0.654166678121104 g
- Protein 7.22282500295605 g
- Saturated Fat 12.1398460833794 g
- Serving Size 1 1 â€x 8†pan, 12-16 bar (84g)
- Sodium 352.703583712691 mg
- Sugar 19.0989512615912 g
- Trans Fat 1.9095448334289 g
- Calories 298 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 325° F.
- Lightly coat an 8” x 8” baking pan with non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper, then lightly coat again with non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla 2-3 minutes or until mixture thickens and is light in color.
- Beat in melted butter.
- Gradually fold in flour mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the surface generously with sparkling sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until edges just begin to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the cookie out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Slice into individual bars.
- Simple Sugar Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for at least 2 weeks.
Simple Sugar Cookie Bars: A Home Baker's Delight
Baking has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can escape the daily grind and find solace in the rhythmic mixing, the comforting aroma of warm sugar, and the simple satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. These Simple Sugar Cookie Bars are a testament to that, a recipe born from a desire for a sweet treat that's both easy to make and undeniably delicious. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight, a weekend gathering, or just a quiet moment with a cup of tea. The crispy edges and chewy center provide the ideal textural contrast, while the sparkling sugar adds a touch of elegance. It's a recipe I've perfected over time, tweaking and adjusting until it reached this perfectly balanced state.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity but in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different variations! Add chocolate chips for a decadent twist, sprinkle chopped nuts for added crunch, or infuse the dough with a hint of citrus zest for a bright and refreshing flavour. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize this recipe to perfectly suit your preferences. For me, the simplicity is key – it’s a recipe that doesn't require a long list of obscure ingredients or specialized techniques. It's a recipe that anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can confidently tackle and enjoy the wonderful results.
Why I love these bars: Beyond their incredible taste, these sugar cookie bars are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sudden craving for something sweet. Their portability makes them ideal for packing in lunchboxes or taking along on picnics. And, of course, the ease of preparation is a huge plus, especially when time is of the essence. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips and Tricks: To ensure perfectly crisp edges and a soft center, it's important to bake the bars for the correct amount of time. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark and insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly bars, so keep a close eye on them. Using room-temperature eggs and slightly cooled melted butter helps create a smoother, more evenly textured batter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two. For added visual appeal, you can use different colored sparkling sugars, or even top the bars with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Memories Made in the Kitchen: More than just a recipe, this is a portal to creating happy memories. The process of baking these cookies, from measuring the ingredients to the delightful aroma filling the kitchen, evokes a sense of warmth and comfort. It's a shared experience that brings people together, whether it's creating them with loved ones or simply enjoying them in the company of good friends. Each bite is a reminder of the love and care that went into their making – a simple pleasure that brings joy to the heart and satisfaction to the soul.
Beyond the Recipe: Baking these sugar cookie bars isn't just about following instructions; it's about embracing the journey. It's about the process of creating something beautiful and delicious from simple ingredients. It’s about taking the time to appreciate the small details – the gentle whisk of the batter, the satisfying crackle of the sparkling sugar. And it's about savoring the final product, a reward for your efforts and a testament to your culinary creativity. Try this recipe, and let the simple joy of baking transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet delights.
