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Easy Sour Cream Cookie Bars

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These moist cookie bars are made with sour cream for an extra soft bite and topped with creamy butter frosting. Decorate them with colorful toppings to match any event. They’re simple to make but need a bit of cooling time before serving, making them a dependable pick for parties or bake sales.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:41:05 GMT
Moist Sour Cream Cookie Bars with Frosting Pin it
Moist Sour Cream Cookie Bars with Frosting | cuisinegenial.com

These classic Sour Cream Cookie Bars take the beloved sugar cookie to new heights. The secret ingredient - tangy sour cream - creates an irresistibly soft, tender base that pairs perfectly with sweet frosting and festive sprinkles. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This recipe streamlines traditional cookie making while enhancing flavor. The sour cream is the key to achieving an exceptionally tender crumb that sets these bars apart from standard sugar cookies.

Key Ingredients

  • Sour Cream: Full-fat, at room temp
  • Butter: Unsalted, softened
  • All-Purpose Flour: For proper texture
  • Egg: Large, room temperature
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure, not imitation
  • Confectioners Sugar: For smooth frosting
  • Decorative Sprinkles: As desired
  • Food Coloring: Optional tint

Preparation Method

1. Preparation:
Allow cold ingredients to reach room temperature. Heat oven to 350°F. Use parchment paper to line 9x9 baking pan, leaving overhang for lifting.
2. Make Base:
Beat butter with sugar until fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Mix in sour cream, egg, lemon juice, vanilla. Some separation is normal. Fold in flour just until incorporated.
3. Bake:
Transfer batter to pan, spreading evenly into corners. Bake 30-35 minutes until edges turn golden and center is set. Allow to cool completely.
4. Prepare Frosting:
Whip softened butter until smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar gradually with vanilla and salt. Add desired coloring. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
5. Finish:
Frost cooled bars and immediately add sprinkles. Let set 30 minutes or refrigerate 20 minutes before cutting into 16 portions.
Sour Cream Cookie Bars Pin it
Sour Cream Cookie Bars | cuisinegenial.com

The sour cream is truly essential for achieving the perfect texture. It adds both moisture and a subtle tangy note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Easy Sour Cream Cookie Bars Pin it
Easy Sour Cream Cookie Bars | cuisinegenial.com

Storage Guidelines

Keep in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days max, using parchment between layers. Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months when wrapped individually. Unfrosted bars can be made ahead, but frost close to serving time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at room temperature for ideal texture. If chilled, rest 15-20 minutes before serving. For gatherings, create visual appeal with varied frosting colors on tiered platters. Match decorations to seasonal themes and celebrations.

Easy Sour Cream Cookie Bars Recipe Pin it
Easy Sour Cream Cookie Bars Recipe | cuisinegenial.com

Recipe Variations

Customize with different extract flavors like almond or citrus. Create swirled frosting patterns or section bars with multiple colors. Use themed sprinkles or edible decorations for special occasions. The reliable base recipe welcomes creative adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to use ingredients at room temperature?
When everything’s at room temperature, they mix more smoothly and give the bars a softer texture.
→ Can I prepare these bars in advance?
Absolutely! Make them 2-3 days early and keep them sealed in a container.
→ What’s the benefit of using a parchment paper sling?
It makes lifting the bars out and cutting them a lot easier and cleaner.
→ Is it okay to freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted bars and freeze for up to 3 months. Add frosting once thawed.
→ Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use a larger 9x13 pan and bake for roughly 5-10 extra minutes.

Frosted Cookie Squares

Moist cookie squares made with sour cream, topped with buttery frosting and optional sprinkles.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Bars

01 8 ounces (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temp
02 Half a cup of rich sour cream, brought to room temp
03 1 big egg (room temp)
04 1 and a half cups of regular white sugar
05 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
06 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 A half teaspoon of kosher salt
08 2 and a half cups of plain all-purpose flour

→ Frosting

09 1 stick (4 ounces) of unsalted butter
10 A dash of kosher salt
11 A teaspoon of vanilla extract
12 Two cups of powdered sugar
13 Optional: a couple drops of food coloring liquid or gel
14 Optional: 1/4 cup of colorful rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Allow the butter, sour cream, and egg to come to room temp.

Step 02

Whip the butter and sugar together until it’s light and airy. Stir in the sour cream, egg, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Blend in the flour until just mixed. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 03

Pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until it browns nicely. Cool it for about 10 minutes in the pan, then lift it out and let it cool completely on a rack.

Step 04

Whisk the butter with the salt until smooth and creamy. Blend in the vanilla, and then slowly beat in the powdered sugar. Add a little food coloring at this point if you like.

Step 05

Smooth the frosting over the cooled bars. Add some sprinkles if you want that extra pop. Let them set for 30 minutes, or chill for 20, then cut into 16 pieces.

Notes

  1. Make sure your ingredients reach room temp—it’s important
  2. Chilling before slicing gives the cleanest cuts

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9-by-9-inch baking dish
  • Either a stand mixer or a hand-held one
  • Baking parchment paper
  • An offset spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes milk products
  • Contains eggs
  • Has wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~