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Easy Frosted Animal Cracker Sugar Cookie Bars

frosted animal cracker sugar cookie bars - featured image
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Soft sugar cookie bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting and crunchy animal crackers, perfect for first day treats or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312 grams), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (3 grams)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams), softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 grams), sifted
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams), softened
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk (45 to 60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1 cup animal crackers (30 grams), whole or lightly crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined.
  6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. Test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adjusting milk for spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  11. Sprinkle animal crackers evenly on top of the frosting.
  12. Slice into 12 to 16 bars and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes if possible to prevent spreading and achieve thicker bars. Cool bars completely before frosting to avoid melting. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slicing. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and consider xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and coconut milk. Animal crackers can be swapped with graham cracker crumbs, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie bars, animal crackers, frosted bars, easy dessert, first day treats, school snacks, vanilla frosting

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/easy-frosted-animal-cracker-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe-for-perfect-first-day-treats/