If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s both simple and bursting with holiday cheer, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture buttery, soft sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and sprinkled with colorful holiday sprinkles that bring the season to life in every bite. Perfectly easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars will quickly become a favorite whether you’re baking for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just because you want to add a little extra sweetness to your holiday days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive look. Each one plays a key role—from the butter that keeps everything tender, to the sprinkles that add that joyful pop of color we all love during Christmas.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter ensures your dough comes together smoothly for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture after creaming with butter.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients and contribute moisture to keep the bars soft.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm and inviting fragrance that perfectly complements sugar cookies.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure in your cookie bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough without losing that dense, cookie-like feel.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating): Adds fun, festive flair and a little crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the frosting and allows for smooth spreading.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds classic flavor to the frosting.
- Food coloring (optional): Provides an extra pop of holiday spirit in your frosting.
- More holiday sprinkles for topping: Final touch of whimsy and color.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
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. Setting this foundation early ensures your bars bake evenly and come out cleanly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key to creating that airy texture everyone loves in sugar cookie bars. Then add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract for that classic sweet aroma.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution and prevents clumps. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen the bars, so a light hand is best.
Step 4: Spread Dough and Bake
Spread your cookie dough evenly across the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands gently coated with flour. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes—keep an eye on the edges turning a lovely light golden color, and test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you get a smooth, fluffy frosting. If you want to brighten things up, add your preferred food coloring now for a festive flair.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the bars with a spatula. Sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles to add that cheerful touch that makes these bars perfect for any Christmas celebration.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Finally, cut your bars into squares and enjoy the fruits of your labor. These bars store beautifully, making them a convenient and delicious holiday treat.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the holiday sprinkles, consider adding a drizzle of colored glaze or edible glitter for an extra festive look. Fresh cranberries or crushed peppermint candies also make fun, flavorful sprinkles on top.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa, a glass of eggnog, or even a simple hot tea. They also complement other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a delightful dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a festive platter lined with pine sprigs or holly leaves to instantly elevate their appearance. You could also wrap individual squares in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon for gifting or party favors that spread holiday joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days—perfect for sneaking a treat later.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then stack with parchment paper in between and seal tightly in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, thaw at room temperature. For that freshly baked warmth, pop a square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to soften the frosting without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies and bars. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum to maintain texture.
How do I get the frosting to be the right consistency for spreading?
If your frosting feels too thick, add a little more milk a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.
Can I make these bars without frosting?
Yes, the cookie base is delicious on its own! You can also dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or dip edges in melted chocolate for a different twist.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without cracking the frosting?
Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water. Wipe it dry, then cut through the frosting and cookie in clean, straight motions to get neat squares.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. They’re simple enough to whip up anytime, but special enough to steal the spotlight at your holiday celebrations. Trust me, these bars will become a treasured classic in your festive baking lineup—so get your oven warmed up and dive into all the sweet, buttery goodness!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, buttery bars are topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting and decorated with colorful holiday sprinkles, delivering all the classic sugar cookie flavors in an easy-to-share pan dessert.
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)
Vanilla 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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prepare for the cookie bar batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine all wet ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms with no flour clumps.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare 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. Add food coloring if desired for festive colors.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Top with additional holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve, perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can customize the frosting colors with your favorite food coloring to match holiday themes.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust baking time as needed.
