The Best Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars
Try this recipe for The Best Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars
Try this recipe for The Best Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- sprinkles
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- for sugar cookie bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened to room temperature
- 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- for buttercream frosting:
- 3/4 cup butter softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2-4 drops liquid food coloring (i used pink)
- Carbohydrate 7.46108923100796 g
- Cholesterol 49.0227777773359 mg
- Fat 18.4679977776915 g
- Fiber 0.000883333333333333 g
- Protein 0.374534110747536 g
- Saturated Fat 11.6919722221638 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (46g)
- Sodium 3771.956010683 mg
- Sugar 7.46020589767463 g
- Trans Fat 1.29182546666275 g
- Calories 197 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a 13x9" baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil liberally with cooking spray; set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter & cream cheese until creamy, about 1 minute.
- Beat in the sugar, powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Lastly, beat in the salt, baking soda, baking powder and flour until combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Bake the bars for about 20 minutes or until the top is light golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool completely.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, cream and vanilla until combined.
- Beat in the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the food coloring.
- Spread the frosting in an even layer over the bars and sprinkle liberally with sprinkles.
- Let set about 1 hour in the fridge before cutting into bars.
The Best Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars: A Baker's Delight
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I crave those moments of calm, of creating something delicious that my family will adore, but realistically, I need recipes that are efficient and don't require a culinary degree. That’s where these Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars come in. They're the perfect blend of ease and indulgence, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn't demand hours of slaving over a hot stove.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just a straightforward method that yields incredibly rewarding results. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars are the perfect canvas for the creamy, dreamy frosting. And let's be honest, the sprinkles? They’re the cherry on top, adding a touch of whimsy and childhood joy to every bite. I often find myself adapting this recipe to suit my mood – sometimes a classic pink, other times a vibrant rainbow of colors. The possibilities are endless!
These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sweet craving on a busy weekday afternoon. I've packed them for school lunches, enjoyed them with a cup of coffee during a rare moment of quiet, and even surprised my neighbors with a batch on a gloomy Tuesday. Every time, the response is the same: pure, unadulterated delight. The joy on my children’s faces as they bite into these sugary treats is payment enough for my efforts. The best part? The leftovers (if there are any!) stay incredibly fresh for several days, making them an ideal treat to have on hand.
Beyond the Baking: These Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars represent more than just a recipe; they represent a moment of connection, a way to bring a little sweetness into the lives of those I love. They're a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there’s always time to create something beautiful and delicious. And isn't that what life is all about? Finding those small joys, those pockets of happiness that make everything worthwhile? This recipe is my happy place, and I hope it becomes yours too.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
- Creative Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different food colorings and sprinkles to customize your bars. Mint extract, lemon extract, or even a swirl of different colors would create a delicious, unique treat.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these bars alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Cut the bars into smaller squares for a more manageable portion size, especially for children.
- They're also delicious served slightly warm from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Making these Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars is more than just following a recipe; it’s about embracing the joy of baking and sharing that joy with others. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let the baking magic begin! You won't regret it.
Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add melted chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious chocolate swirl.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles for special occasions to add extra festive flair.
Baking these bars is a simple act of self-care and a delicious way to show love to those around you. Enjoy the process, savor the taste, and create some wonderful memories along the way.
