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
Scale
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.
