If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you’ve just struck gold with this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the buttery, tender texture of classic sugar cookies transformed into easy-to-cut bars, topped with a luscious vanilla frosting and sprinkled with sparkling holiday cheer. Perfectly balancing sweetness and a hint of vanilla, these bars bring that nostalgic Christmas spirit to your kitchen table, making them an instant holiday favorite for family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is like preparing a simple yet perfect holiday symphony. Each item plays its own role in creating the tender crumb and creamy frosting that make these bars truly unforgettable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This creates a rich, tender base and ensures your bars stay moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness and helps with the tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the cookie base.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure powerhouse that gives your bars the perfect bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift to keep the bars tender but not cake-like.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles: The joyful touch for decoration that makes these bars pop with festive fun.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for creamy, smooth frosting.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Gives the frosting a silky consistency.
- Food coloring (optional): Adds a colorful, playful twist to match your holiday decor.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple step ensures your bars bake evenly and come out easily once they’ve cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process is key for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding the eggs one at a time while mixing well after each keeps everything creamy and well combined. Stir in vanilla extract for that warm fragrance you’ll love.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so your bars have consistent texture and a subtle rise.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your butter and sugar bowl, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your bars tender, not tough.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let it cool completely—patience here makes perfect frosting application easier.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If you want to add a festive twist, incorporate food coloring into the frosting for a holiday-happy shade.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, using a spatula to get every corner covered. Finish with generous holiday sprinkles—this is where the magic of the festive season truly shines.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Cut the bars into squares, get your favorite mug of cocoa, and prepare to impress everyone with your baking skills and festive spirit!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles bring the holiday sparkle, but you can amp it up with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist or a light dusting of edible glitter to create a truly magical effect. Fresh cranberries on the side can also add a lovely tart contrast and vibrant color.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with rich drinks like hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or your favorite holiday coffee. For a balanced bite, try serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer these bars on a festive platter with some pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks for an aromatic, eye-catching holiday centerpiece. You can also wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon to hand out as charming edible gifts, spreading joy one bite at a time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, freeze unfrosted bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting for the freshest taste.
Reheating
Though these bars are perfect served chilled, if you prefer them slightly warm, gently microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact and bars soft.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the sweetness balanced and avoid over-salting your bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
How do I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, to keep the frosting creamy and delicious.
Can I add flavors to the frosting?
Definitely! Experiment with a splash of almond extract, peppermint extract, or even a bit of citrus zest for a personalized flavor that complements the holiday spirit.
Will these bars keep well for gifting?
Yes, packaged nicely in airtight containers or wrapped individually, these cookie bars stay fresh and travel well, making them perfect for gift-giving during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those joyful discoveries that feel like a warm holiday hug. Easy to make, full of classic flavors, and decorated with festive cheer, these bars are bound to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen. So dive in, spread the frosting, sprinkle generously, and share the magic!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into a soft, chewy bar and topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties, they combine a buttery cookie base with a sweet, smooth frosting for a delightful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Holiday sprinkles for decorating
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- More holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a tender texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Spread dough in pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, smoothing the surface for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Make frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to match your holiday theme.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting.
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
- You can customize food coloring in the frosting to suit different holiday themes.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal of bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
