The Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a festive treat that captures the magic of traditional sugar cookies in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting and bright sprinkles, these bars are the perfect holiday indulgence that you can whip up quickly without the fuss of rolling dough or cutting shapes. Whether it’s for a cookie exchange, family gatherings, or gifting, this recipe delivers all the joy and flavor of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic soft sugar cookie crumb in your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. Each component plays its part, from the butter’s richness to the light fluffiness of the frosting.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, tender base and helps create that soft texture in the cookie bars.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it caramelize slightly at the edges for a subtle crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for a perfectly tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds the warm, familiar flavor that defines classic sugar cookies.
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional): A small addition that offers a lovely, subtle almond fragrance, enhancing the cookie’s flavor complexity.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that gives the bars their sturdy yet soft texture.
- ¼ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookie bars rise slightly for just the right amount of fluffiness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): Creates a silky, creamy frosting with a dreamy mouthfeel.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious, spreadable consistency.
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk: Adjusts frosting texture so it’s smooth and easy to spread.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with classic vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the cookie base.
- Red or green food coloring (optional): Adds festive hues for an eye-catching holiday look.
- Holiday sprinkles: The final touch that makes these bars vibrant, fun, and irresistible for the season.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper. This setup not only ensures even baking but also makes it super easy to lift out your bars once they’re done, so you won’t lose a crumb!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming step is where the magic starts because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in those delightfully soft bars.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling fancy, almond extract. The almond adds an extra holiday charm, but even if you leave it out, the vanilla carries all the warmth you want.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should feel tender but not sticky—perfect for pressing evenly into your pan.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie Base
Firmly press the dough into your prepared pan in an even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden and the center is set but not dry. This gentle bake ensures a soft, chewy texture that’s wonderfully satisfying.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookie base cools completely (this is crucial, so your frosting doesn’t melt), whip softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add a few drops of red or green food coloring if you want to get extra festive!
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread that heavenly frosting evenly over your cooled cookie bars. Top with holiday sprinkles to your heart’s content—the more colorful, the merrier! Once decorated, cut into squares and get ready to delight your friends and family with these crowd-pleasing treats.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles brings visual cheer and a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie and creamy frosting. You could also try crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, or a light dusting of edible glitter to make your bars sparkle like fresh snow on Christmas morning.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a sweet centerpiece but also pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a creamy cup of hot chocolate. Serving alongside fresh berries or whipped cream can add a refreshing balance to the richness, making the perfect holiday dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting the bars into festive shapes using cookie cutters once frosted, or stack squares with little dollops of frosting between for a pretty layered look. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with ribbon turns them into wonderful homemade gifts that spread cheer with every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the frosting from drying out, so every bar tastes like it was freshly made.
Freezing
These bars freeze well if you want to prepare ahead of time. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect soft, buttery texture again.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat brings out the richness of the butter and softens the frosting perfectly, giving you all the comforting feels with each gooey bite.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?
While margarine can work in a pinch, butter is preferred because it gives the bars their richer flavor and better texture. Margarine may alter the taste and softness slightly, so for the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
How do I prevent my frosting from being too runny or too stiff?
Adjust the frosting’s consistency by adding milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time if it’s too stiff, or adding more powdered sugar if it’s too runny. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted before whipping the frosting for the ideal texture.
Can I make the cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or an equivalent to maintain the texture, and be aware that baking times might vary slightly.
Do these bars keep well if I want to bring them to a party?
Absolutely! Since they can be stored at room temperature for several days, they’re perfect for preparing in advance and bringing along. Just keep them in an airtight container or a covered plate to prevent drying out.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?
Definitely! You could incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a festive twist. Just remember to keep additions gentle so the texture stays soft and the classic sugar cookie flavor remains front and center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a charming, effortless holiday treat to wow your friends and family, give this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe a try. Its simplicity, festive flair, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make it a perfect addition to your seasonal baking repertoire. Once you taste these bars, you’ll agree they’re a new holiday classic worth keeping for years to come.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and festively decorated treats that bring all the joy of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting. Topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the cookie base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red or green food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender texture in the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the creamed mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep bars tender.
- Shape Dough in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add red or green food coloring if desired for festive color.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and garnish with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut the frosted bars into 16 squares and serve, or package for gifting.
Notes
- Bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes if desired for festive presentation.
- Almond extract adds a classic sugar cookie flavor but can be omitted if preferred or for allergy considerations.
