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
Scale
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.
