Frosted sugar cookie bars are just the thing for when you need a sure crowd-pleaser! These soft, chewy cookie bars with vanilla buttercream frosting are always a hit.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9"x 13" baking pan.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.
Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan. (Batter will be thin in the pan.) Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are browned and a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the frosting:
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the sugar and butter until thoroughly combined. Add 3 tablespoons cream and the vanilla. Continue beating, adding more cream a small amount at a time, until the frosting is the desired consistency.
Spread the frosting on the cooled bars. If desired, garnish with sprinkles.
Notes
Yield: Makes 24 2-inch bars.
To store: Once cooled, place these cookie bars in an airtight container. They should keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to add a few more days to their shelf life, but just make extra sure the container is airtight. Bring the bars to room temperature before serving.
To freeze: You'll have the best results storing the cooled cookie bars unfrosted. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Stored properly, they should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. After thawing, frost the bars and serve.