Elevate your dessert game with our delightful Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. These sweet treats are incredibly easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of vanilla, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Sweet Treat
- Deliciously Sweet . Enjoy the classic taste of sugar cookies in a convenient bar form.
- Quick and Easy . Whip up a batch of these bars in no time; no rolling or cookie cutters needed.
- Versatile . Customize your sugar cookie bars with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or different mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
With their sweet simplicity and customizable options, these Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to become a beloved dessert recipe in your household. Perfect for bake sales, celebrations, or just satisfying your cookie cravings, they’re a delightful addition to any occasion.
Why Are My Cookie Bars Raw In The Middle?
If your cookie bars are turning out raw in the middle while the edges are properly baked, several factors could be contributing to this issue. Here are some common reasons and solutions:
- Uneven Dough Thickness . Uneven dough thickness can cause uneven baking. If the middle of the dough is thicker than the edges, it will take longer to bake through. Solution - Ensure that you press the cookie dough evenly into the baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon can help achieve uniform thickness.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature . An inaccurate oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Your oven might not be heating evenly or may not be calibrated correctly. Solution - Use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature inside your oven. Adjust the temperature accordingly and consider calibrating your oven if needed.
- Using a Dark Pan . Dark-colored baking pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to cook faster than the middle. Solution - If you’re using a dark pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F or use a lighter-colored pan to promote even baking.
- Insufficient Baking Time . You might not have baked the cookie bars long enough for the center to set. Solution - Increase the baking time as needed. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter - Unsalted butter is the base for these bars, providing richness and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and structure to the cookie bars.
- Egg - Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract - Infuses a delightful vanilla aroma and flavor into the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour - The main dry ingredient for the cookie bars.
- Baking Powder - Gives the bars a slight lift and soft texture.
- Salt - Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
- Sprinkles - Colorful sprinkles are a fun and optional addition to these sugar cookie bars.
- Frosting- You can frost the bars with your favorite premade frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
How To Make Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prepare the Dough . Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough . Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add Sprinkles (optional) . Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press into Pan . Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13" baking pan.
- Bake to Perfection . Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Frost (Optional) . Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost the bars once they have cooled and top with additional sprinkles.
Tips And Tricks
Making perfect sugar cookie bars is all about attention to detail and some helpful tips and tricks. Here are some suggestions to ensure they turn out delicious:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients . Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps with proper creaming of the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother and more even texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly . Creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential. This process incorporates air into the mixture, creating a softer and more tender texture.
- Even Thickness . Spread the cookie dough evenly in the pan to ensure even baking. An offset spatula can help you achieve a smooth and uniform layer.
- Cool Completely . Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. Cutting them while they’re still warm can result in crumbly bars.
Variations
Sugar cookie bars are a versatile treat that you can customize in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Here are some delightful variations for sugar cookie bars:
- Lemon- Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the cookie dough for a bright and zesty flavor. Top with lemon glaze for extra tanginess.
- Chocolate Chip- Fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chunks into the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Funfetti Sugar- Mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a fun and festive appearance. Top with vanilla or colorful frosting and additional sprinkles.
What To Enjoy With Sugar Cookie Bars
Enjoy these Sugar Cookie Bars on their own, or try these serving suggestions:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches - Use two bars as the “bread” for an ice cream sandwich.
- Frosting - Top the bars with your choice of frosting, such as buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkles - Decorate with additional colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
- Milk - Enjoy with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
How Long Do They Last?
Sugar cookie bars can last for a reasonable amount of time if stored properly. Here are some guidelines for storing and determining the shelf life of sugar cookie bars:
Room Temperature - If your sugar cookie bars are not frosted and are kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from becoming stale.
Refrigeration - If your sugar cookie bars have perishable fillings or toppings (such as cream cheese frosting), they should be stored in the refrigerator. In this case, they can last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Them?
To extend the shelf life, you can freeze sugar cookie bars. Wrap them individually or in layers with parchment paper or plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly stored, sugar cookie bars can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen sugar cookie bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for a shorter time. You can also heat them briefly in the oven to refresh their texture.
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Sugar Cookie Bars | Simple Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup Unsalted butter , softened
- ▢ 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ▢ 1 Egg
- ▢ 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 cup Sprinkles , optional
- ▢ 16 ounces Premade Frosting , optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough . Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough . Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add Sprinkles (optional) . Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press into Pan . Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13" baking pan.
- Bake to Perfection . Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Frost (Optional) . Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost the bars once they have cooled and top with additional sprinkles.
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Sugar Cookie Bars | Simple Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup Sprinkles optional
- 16 ounces Premade Frosting optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough . Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients . In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough . Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add Sprinkles (optional) . Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press into Pan . Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13" baking pan.
- Bake to Perfection . Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Frost (Optional) . Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, frost the bars once they have cooled and top with additional sprinkles.
Sugar Cookie Bars | Simple Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe https://twosleevers.com/sugar-cookie-bars/
If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine and want a simple, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without all the hassle, get ready for a culinary treat! We’ll show you how to make Crockpot Taco Soup. It’s a hearty and comforting soup that captures the essence of tacos in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meal
- Effortless Cooking . Thanks to your Crockpot, you can savor the tastes of tacos without spending hours in the kitchen. This soup practically prepares itself.
- Family-Friendly . Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the family or you’re entertaining guests, Crockpot Taco Soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a complete main course and satisfying Tex-Mex meal in a bowl.
- Customizable. The beauty of this beef recipe is its versatility. You can personalize it with your favorite taco ingredients like beans, corn, or a dash of spicy jalapeños.
- All the Taco Flavors. Crockpot Taco Soup captures the essence of tacos, from the seasoned ground beef to the zesty tomato base and the toppings you love.
Ready to embark on this Tex-Mex culinary journey? Let’s dive into the details of creating this Crockpot Taco Soup.
Is Slow Cooking Soup Better?
Slow cooking isn’t always better for every type of soup. For some recipes, especially those with more delicate ingredients like seafood or those where you want the ingredients to remain distinct, a quicker stovetop or Instant Pot method may be preferred.
Slow cooking is all about letting the flavors blend and the ingredients meld, so the choice depends on the specific soup you want to make and your personal preferences.
How Do You Thicken Taco Soup?
Thickening taco soup is easy and can be done in various ways. Here are some common methods to thicken your soup:
- Cornstarch Slurry - Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering taco soup while stirring continuously. The soup will thicken as it comes to a boil. You can add more slurry if needed.
- Masa Harina - Masa harina, a type of corn flour used for making tortillas, tamales, and more, is a great thickening agent for taco soup. Mix a couple of tablespoons of masa harina with some cold water to form a paste, then stir it into your soup. Allow it to simmer, and it will thicken the soup while adding a pleasant corn flavor.
- Refried Beans - If you want to both thicken your soup and add more flavor, consider adding a can of refried beans. This will give your soup a creamy texture and enhance its taco flavor.
- Cheese - If your taco soup has a cheese component, the cheese can also act as a thickening agent as it melts. It provides a creamy texture and extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef - Lean ground beef is the star of this soup.
- Onion and Garlic - These aromatic ingredients lay the foundation of your taco-flavored broth.
- Tomatoes - A combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce provides a rich and tangy base.
- Taco Seasoning - A medley of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika infuse the soup with classic taco flavors.
- Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans - They add heartiness and fiber to your soup.
- Corn - Sweet corn kernels contribute a burst of flavor and texture.
- Beef Broth - Beef broth adds savory depth to your soup.
- Toppings - Your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips, complete the experience.
How To Make Crockpot Taco Soup
- Brown the Beef . Start by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet. Crumble it as it cooks, and drain any excess fat. You can skip this step and crumble the uncooked ground beef directly into the slow cooker if you use extremely lean ground beef.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic . In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot . Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, canned black beans and kidney beans, drained canned corn, and beef broth to your Crockpot. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors meld.
- Slow Cook to Perfection . Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the magic happen. Allow the Crockpot Taco Soup to simmer for 6-8 hours or until you can’t resist the aroma any longer.
- Serve with Toppings . When it’s time to serve, ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Invite everyone to customize their bowls with their preferred taco toppings. Try cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Tips And Tricks
Making a delicious crockpot taco soup is easy, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results:
- Brown the Meat . While you can add raw ground beef to the crockpot, browning it first enhances the flavor and texture. Drain the excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Taco Seasoning . Use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by blending chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Drain and Rinse . If you’re using canned beans or corn, rinse and drain them before adding them to the crockpot. This helps reduce the sodium content and prevents the soup from becoming too thick.
Variations
Crockpot Taco Soup is flexible, allowing you to get creative with variations:
- Vegetarian Version - Skip the ground beef and opt for plant-based protein sources like tofu or plant-based crumbles.
- Chicken Taco Soup - Replace the beef with cooked and shredded chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Spicy Taco Soup - For heat lovers, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
What To Serve With Crockpot Taco Soup
Crockpot taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with some tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to complement it:
- Tortilla Chips - Serve a basket of tortilla chips on the side. They are perfect for dipping into the soup and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Guacamole - Fresh guacamole is a fantastic accompaniment for taco soup. The creamy, rich avocado flavor pairs well with the spicy and savory soup.
- Sour Cream - A dollop of sour cream on top of the taco soup adds a cooling element to balance the heat and spices. It also provides a creamy contrast to the soup’s texture.
- Salsa - Offer a variety of salsas, such as mild and spicy options. They’re great for customizing the heat level and adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Shredded Cheese - Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends are excellent choices. Sprinkle some on top of your taco soup for a cheesy finish.
How Long Does It Last?
Leftover Crockpot Taco Soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Reheat it as needed for quick and satisfying Tex-Mex meals.
More Of OurBest Taco Recipes
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Taco Dip
- Taco Salad
- Indian Pulled Pork Tacos
- Chicken Tinga Tacos
Crockpot Taco Soup | Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- ▢ 1 Onion , diced
- ▢ 3 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 15 ounces Canned Diced Tomatoes
- ▢ 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- ▢ 15 ounces Canned Black Beans , drained and rinsed
- ▢ 15 ounces Red Kidney Beans
- ▢ 15 ounces Canned Corn , drained
- ▢ 4 cups Beef Broth
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef . Start by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet. Crumble it as it cooks, and drain any excess fat. You can skip this step and crumble the uncooked ground beef directly into the slow cooker if you use extremely lean ground beef.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic . In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot . Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, canned black beans, drained canned corn, and beef broth to your Crockpot. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors meld.
- Slow Cook to Perfection . Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the magic happen. Allow the Crockpot Taco Soup to simmer for 6-8 hours or until you can’t resist the aroma any longer.
- Serve with Toppings . When it’s time to serve, ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Invite everyone to customize their bowls with their preferred taco toppings. Try cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
