Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence, and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet bars are a simpler, crowd-friendly alternative to traditional sugar cookies. Topped with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire with a cup of cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick: Skip the rolling, cutting, and baking individual cookies—these bars are ready in no time.
2. Festive and Fun: With colorful sprinkles and frosting, these bars are as cheerful as they are delicious.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: A single pan yields plenty, making it perfect for gatherings.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite holiday flavors or decorations to make them your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Alternatively, grease the pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Extracts:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars

1. Spread the Dough:
   Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and press it into an even layer using a spatula or your hands.
2. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
3. Cool Completely:
   Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Cream the Butter:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream:
   Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed for a spreadable consistency.
4. Color the Frosting:
   Divide the frosting into bowls and mix in food coloring for a festive touch.

Step 5: Decorate the Bars

1. Frost the Cookie Bars:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula.
2. Add Sprinkles:
   Decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations.
3. Chill:
   For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Remove from Pan:
   Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Slice:
   Cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
3. Serve:
   Arrange on a festive platter and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overbake: The bars should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center for a chewy texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the dough mixes evenly.
3. Make Ahead: The bars and frosting can be made a day in advance and stored separately until ready to assemble.
4. Customize Toppings: Swap sprinkles for crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for a unique twist.

Variations

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars

Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting and top with crushed candy canes.

Chocolate Drizzle Bars

Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting before adding sprinkles.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
• Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies and chocolate fudge.
• Gift Idea: Package in festive boxes or tins for a homemade holiday gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting?

Yes! While homemade frosting tastes better, store-bought is a convenient alternative.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pan or bake in two 9×13-inch pans to double the yield.

Can I Make These Bars Ahead?

Yes, bake the bars a day ahead and frost just before serving for maximum freshness.

Conclusion

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of classic sugar cookies with the ease of a bar format. They’re festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer.

Gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and enjoy baking these delightful treats!

Yield: 14-15 Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence, and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet bars are a simpler, crowd-friendly alternative to traditional sugar cookies. Topped with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire with a cup of cocoa.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, green, or any festive color)
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Bake the Bars

1. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure it's smooth and even.
2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to remain soft.
3. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

3. Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with milk as needed, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract and a few drops of food coloring until evenly blended.

4. Decorate the Bars

1. Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
2. Add festive holiday sprinkles immediately before the frosting sets.

5. Slice and Serve

1. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer them to a cutting board.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

• Chill the Dough (Optional): For a firmer texture, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
• Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula for smooth and even frosting.