Description

These soft vanilla sugar cookie bars take just one bowl and 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute parties or a quick weeknight treat, they offer a chewy, soft center with a buttery, crumbly top.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup extra sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about a minute until smooth and glossy.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
Dump the dough into the prepared pan. Press into an even layer using hands or a spatula. If using, roll the tops in extra sugar to adhere.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly soft.
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting into squares.

Notes

Do not overbake; the center should look slightly jiggly when removed from the oven as they firm up while cooling. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before slicing. Room temperature eggs blend more easily, but cold eggs work too. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dry bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 100
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 22
Protein: 2

Keywords: soft vanilla sugar cookie bars, 1-bowl dessert, easy cookie bars, vanilla sugar cookies, make-ahead dessert, quick weeknight treat