These soft and chewy cookie bars are not only easy to make, but they also bring a festive flair to your holiday treats.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – sifted for a lighter texture
1 teaspoon baking powder – to provide that perfect rise
½ teaspoon salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – ensure it's at room temperature for easy mixing
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for that classic sweetness
2 large eggs – free-range or organic eggs are preferred for richer flavor
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor
8 oz cream cheese, softened – use full-fat for a creamier frosting
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – make sure it's at room temperature to blend well
4 cups powdered sugar – sifted to avoid lumps in the frosting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – add pure vanilla for enhanced taste
2-3 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency) – whole milk will give a richer frosting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. If needed, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
