Description
Delight in these Frosted Maple Cookie Bars that combine a soft, buttery maple-flavored cookie base with a creamy maple frosting and a crunchy toffee topping. Perfectly sweet and rich with a smooth texture, these bars make an irresistible treat for maple lovers and are ideal for serving at gatherings or as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (252g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (168g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (52g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp maple flavoring
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (288g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp maple flavoring
- 1/4 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the mixture, giving the bars a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Maple Flavoring: Incorporate the large egg into the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Then add the maple flavoring and mix again to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together without overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to form the dough into a cohesive ball.
- Press and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 17 to 23 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for 2 to 3 hours. Cooling lets the bars firm up, making them easier to frost and slice.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and maple flavoring, then mix until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the maple frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle the top with toffee bits for added texture and sweetness.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 9 equal pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Storage Tips: These bars freeze well. For best results, omit the toffee bits before freezing. Store the bars in an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, then sprinkle with toffee bits before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
- For easy removal of bars, use parchment paper with an overhang in the baking pan.
- Toffee bits can be added right before serving if freezing the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- These bars can also be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
