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Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Name: Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened); ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla; ¼ cup sour cream ( (could also substitute plain Greek yogurt)); 2 cups flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup butter (softened); ¼ cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 3 Tablespoons cocoa; 2-3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup sprinkles ((optional topping))

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1 from 1 vote

Published: September 13, 2021Updated: January 4, 2022Author: Camille Beckstrand

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I love a good sugar cookie, but have you ever tried chocolate sugar cookies? They taste just as delicious as they sound. They are practically brownies, but better. You will love this chocolate dessert.

My husband is a sucker for sugar cookies. I, however, would much rather have a nice brownie (like these Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars) over a sugar cookie on any given day.

I had just made a pan of our Sugar Cookie Bars (per my husband’s request) and started thinking about how good a chocolate sugar cookie would be – something thick, rich, and dense; something you could really sink your teeth into.

I then came across some Sugar Cookie Bars from Betty Crocker, and realized I was craving some type of bar, but I wanted something a little more rich and something with a lot of chocolate.

Top it with thick, fudgy icing and that is a sugar cookie I could get excited about.

So, I got to work. After a couple attempts, this was the end result. They are pretty much amazing. I love making this bar version of sugar cookies because it literally takes only a couple of minutes.

You just have to be sure to not overbake these, otherwise they might turn out a little dry.

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, these most definitely can be made ahead of time, and frozen. They are actually even more delicious slightly frozen in my opinion. I love cold desserts or bars and cookies, and this recipe is so yummy frozen.
Once they are frosted, we don’t however, recommend reheating them to thaw them.
To freeze and to thaw, we recommend placing the bars in an air tight storage container, and placing them in the fridge or on the counter 12 hours (or the night before) serving. They will be chilled, and delicious. Again, do not heat them, or the frosting will melt off and they will lost their texture.

Cautious of the bake time:

For this recipe, you do not want to over bake the cookie bottom. Just like a normal vanilla sugar cookie, they can overcook quickly, and end up a little dry. Be sure to keep an eye on them, and don’t let them over bake.

You can always add a little baking time, but you can’t take it away after the damage has been done. I even like these a little undercooked, then I set them on the counter to set up a little more. So yummy.

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Add your favorite topping:

For these, I love to add sprinkles on top, however, you could easily add any favorite brownie or cookie toppings.

These would be delicious with:

Crushed Candy Bars
Crushed Oreo Cookies
Peppermint Candy Cane Shavings (if over the holidays)
Orange Sticks
Orange Zest
Sliced Strawberries

You can get creative and add any favorite brownie toppings, to really make it your own.

This is a perfect example of how your butter texture should be. It should be softened, but not completely melted. Mine was slightly melted, but it hardly effected them.

To soften your butter, we recommend letting it sit out on your counter for about an hour. If you are rushed and don’t have time to fully thaw it, we recommend cutting it into small squares (as shown above) and microwaving it for 7 seconds.

Butter and Sugar mixture in a mixing bowl

Whisk all the wet ingredients together, before adding the dry, to prevent lumps. This will keep the bars fluffy and delicious.

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars unfrosted in sheet pan

Bake the bars, but again you will want to be cautious of the bake time. They can dry out quickly if you let them stay in longer than they should.

I am a huge chocolate frosting lover. The secret to your frosting, is again, the butter. You want it softened, not melted or firm.

Sheet pan of Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars

Spread your frosting across the bars. If you are a big frosting lover, you can also double your frosting. I prefer my frosting thick.

Sheet Pan of Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars topped with sprinkles

Add your sprinkles. I love the look of the rainbow sprinkles on these bars to add a pop of color, but again, you could top them with any candy, sprinkle, or drizzle you prefer.

Pan of Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
with a few missing

Cut them into squares and serve. I love these with a scoop of chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars
on a white plate with sprinkles on top

I know what you are thinking, sour cream in brownies? The answer is yes. It makes them so moist and delicious.

However, if you are looking for a healthier alternative, plain Greek yogurt will work great. I prefer the sour cream because it bakes a little better, the the plain Greek yogurt will also work. We don’t recommend regular yogurt, just Greek yogurt. It has a similar texture and flavor or sour cream, so it makes the best replacement.

How should I store leftovers?

If you have any of these bars leftover (if you eat the whole pan, I really don’t blame you) we recommend covering them with a lid, or placing them in an airtight container. They will be good on the shelf or counter for about two to three days before they begin to get dry.

I also love to freeze them, or place them in the refrigerator. I also love eating them cold. I highly recommend trying them cold.

Watch How To Make A Favorite chocolatey Dessert, Here:

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These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars taste like the real deal. If you know, you know. Watch how simple and delicious they are to make, here:

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Serves: 24