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These Sour Cream Cookie Bars take ordinary sugar cookies to the next level. The tangy sour cream makes a soft, cake-like base that's topped with fluffy, colorful frosting and fun sprinkles. It's the perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
I came up with this recipe because I wanted something quick that still tasted amazing. The sour cream is my secret weapon - it gives these bars a softness you just can't get with regular sugar cookies.
Key Components
- Full-fat Sour Cream: Let it sit out before using
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temp
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars their form
- Large Egg: Not cold from fridge
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For depth
- Powdered Sugar: Makes smooth frosting
- Rainbow Sprinkles: If you want
- Food Coloring: Pick your favorite shades
STEP-BY-STEP PREPARATION
- 1. Initial Setup:
- Get butter, egg, and sour cream out early so they warm up - this really matters for good mixing. Heat your oven to 350°F. Put parchment in a 9x9-inch pan with extra hanging over the sides for lifting out later.
- 2. Cookie Base:
- Beat butter and sugar together until it looks pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in sour cream, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Don't worry if it looks a bit separated - that's totally normal. Add flour and stir just until it's mixed in.
- 3. Baking Process:
- Push the dough evenly into your pan, making sure to get it into the corners. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges turn golden and the top is slightly golden too. Let it cool completely on a rack.
- 4. Frosting Creation:
- Whip butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix in food coloring if you want. Keep beating until it's light and fluffy. Spread all over the cooled bars.
- 5. Final Touch:
- Add sprinkles right away before the frosting sets. Let them sit out for 30 minutes or pop in the fridge for 20 minutes if you want cleaner slices. Cut into 16 squares.
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The magic of these bars comes from the sour cream. My grandma always told me, "A bit of tang makes everything more exciting."
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Keeping Fresh and Planning Ahead
Keep these bars in a sealed container at room temp for up to 3 days, with wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. If you need them to last longer, put them in the fridge for a week or wrap each one in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can make the base a day early, but it's best to add the frosting the same day you'll eat them.
Serving Tips and Options
These treats taste best when they're not cold. If you've had them in the fridge, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes first. For gatherings, try arranging them on a multi-level platter with different colored frostings and sprinkle mixes. During Christmas, Halloween or other holidays, match your frosting and sprinkles to fit the theme.
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Tasty Twists
These bars can work for any event just by changing up the frosting colors and sprinkles. Try adding a splash of almond or extra lemon for new flavors. You can swirl together different colored frostings or divide the top into sections with various colors for birthdays or team events. Make them extra special with holiday-themed sprinkles, edible sparkles, or your own decorations. The basic recipe works like a blank canvas for your creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should the ingredients be at room temperature?
- It helps everything mix smoothly and gives the bars an even, soft texture.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
- Absolutely, they stay fresh in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- → What’s the benefit of using parchment paper?
- It makes lifting the bars out to cut them hassle-free and neat.
- → Are these bars freezer-friendly?
- They are! Just freeze unfrosted bars up to three months and frost after thawing.
- → Can I make a bigger batch?
- Sure, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adding a little extra baking time.