Description
Mexican sugar cookie bars bring classic sweetness with a delightful twist of cultural charm. Buttery vanilla-infused squares deliver pure comfort, inviting friends and family to savor each delectable crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Baking Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57 grams) butter, softened (for frosting)
Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 whole egg
- ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pink food coloring gel (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and airy, creating a smooth and fluffy texture that appears pale and voluminous.
- Incorporate one large egg, pure vanilla extract, almond extract, and softened cream cheese into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until all ingredients are uniformly combined and the mixture looks creamy.
- Sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute the mixture evenly, ensuring a smooth and level surface that reaches all corners.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown edge and a slightly firm center that indicates perfect doneness.
- While the bars cool completely, prepare the frosting by whipping softened butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract, beating until light and spreadable.
- Optional: Add a few drops of pink food coloring to create a delicate pastel hue in the frosting.
- Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, spread the frosting evenly across the surface, using a clean offset spatula for a professional finish.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles if desired, then slice into uniform squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Prepare this delightful treat when craving a simple yet decadent dessert that comes together in less than an hour.
- Cream cheese adds a subtle tangy richness and helps create an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Almond extract provides a delicate, nutty background flavor that elevates these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars without any sticky mess.
- Customize frosting colors and sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration theme for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg