If there’s one dessert that brings an instant smile during the holidays, it’s Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. I recently whipped up a batch of these delightful treats, and they were gone in no time! The combination of a soft, buttery sugar cookie base topped with fluffy, festive frosting is simply irresistible.
What’s even better? They’re super easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite colors and sprinkles. Imagine walking into a Christmas party with these beautifully decorated bars, knowing they’ll steal the show. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet stunning this recipe is to make and share! 🎄✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
1. Quick and Easy to Make
No rolling, cutting, or shaping required! Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these cookie bars come together in a baking pan, making them a hassle-free option for busy holiday schedules. You’ll get that classic sugar cookie taste without all the extra work.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
These bars aren’t just for Christmas. You can swap out the festive sprinkles for other colors to suit any holiday or celebration. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply a cozy family gathering, they’re endlessly versatile.
3. Customizable and Fun
Have dietary restrictions? No problem! Ingredients can be easily swapped for dairy-free or gluten-free options. Plus, you can add different extracts, mix-ins, or food coloring to make them as unique as your imagination allows.
4. Kid-Friendly
Kids will love helping with this recipe, from mixing the sprinkles into the dough to spreading frosting. It’s a great activity to bring the family together and add some holiday magic to your kitchen! 🎅
5. Visually Stunning
The brightly colored sprinkles and creamy frosting make them a show-stopper. They look so cheerful on a dessert tray that they’re sure to grab everyone’s attention.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Festive sprinkles
- Powdered sugar
- Salted butter
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Additional sprinkles
Variations and Equipment
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to make this recipe friendly for those with dairy allergies.
- Sugar-Free Option: Replace sugar with your favorite sugar-free alternatives for a guilt-free version.
- Add-Ins: Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for extra festive fun.
- Flavor Enhancements: Replace vanilla with almond extract or add a hint of lemon zest for a unique twist.
Equipment
- 9×9 Baking Pan: For evenly baked bars.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the bars out.
- Electric Mixer: For flawlessly blending the frosting.
- Mixing Bowls: One for the dough and another for the frosting.
- Spatula: To spread the thick dough and frosting evenly.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. This little trick saves a ton of cleanup! 🧹
Step 2: Create the Dough
Blend softened butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until thick dough forms. Don’t forget to stir in those festive sprinkles last! At this point, your kitchen will start smelling like holiday magic. 🎨
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. This may take a little effort, as the dough is thick, but a spatula or your hands will help. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Take the pan out and allow the bars to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, make your frosting. Beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. The result is a creamy, dreamy frosting that’ll melt in your mouth. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a festive touch! 🌈
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Top with even more sprinkles for that final festive flair. Use as many as your heart desires! You can now cut the bars into squares or rectangles and savor the fruits of your labor. ❤️
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for smooth frosting and dough.
- Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid overly dense bars.
- Chill for Neater Slices: Pop the frosted bars in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cutting. This helps create cleaner edges.
- Add a Splash of Milk: If the dough seems too crumbly while mixing, a tablespoon of milk will save the day!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Display your sugar cookie bars on a colorful holiday platter for a bright, cheery presentation. Add a few extra sprinkles or festive toppings, like a drizzle of white chocolate or powdered sugar snowfall, for that extra wow factor. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookie bars (with or without frosting) for up to 2 months. If frosting them first, be sure to separate each bar with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cookie base up to 2 days in advance and frost them closer to when you plan to serve them for maximum freshness. 🎁
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a batch of Christmas sugar cookie bars that will leave everyone raving. They’re festive, fun, and delicious, making them a must-have in your holiday baking repertoire! 🍪
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
If there’s one dessert that brings an instant smile during the holidays, it’s Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. I recently whipped up a batch of these delightful treats, and they were gone in no time! The combination of a soft, buttery sugar cookie base topped with fluffy, festive frosting is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Festive sprinkles
- Powdered sugar
- Salted butter
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Additional sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. This little trick saves a ton of cleanup! 🧹
- Blend softened butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until thick dough forms. Don’t forget to stir in those festive sprinkles last! At this point, your kitchen will start smelling like holiday magic. 🎨
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. This may take a little effort, as the dough is thick, but a spatula or your hands will help. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Take the pan out and allow the bars to cool completely.
- While the bars are cooling, make your frosting. Beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. The result is a creamy, dreamy frosting that’ll melt in your mouth. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want a festive touch! 🌈
- Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Top with even more sprinkles for that final festive flair. Use as many as your heart desires! You can now cut the bars into squares or rectangles and savor the fruits of your labor. ❤️
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature for smooth frosting and dough.
- Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid overly dense bars.
- Chill for Neater Slices: Pop the frosted bars in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before cutting. This helps create cleaner edges.
- Add a Splash of Milk: If the dough seems too crumbly while mixing, a tablespoon of milk will save the day!
