The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Why make this recipe

The best Christmas sugar cookie bars are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any festive gathering. They are simple to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, young and old. Plus, with their buttery flavor and sweet frosting, these cookie bars are perfect for holiday celebrations or just cozy evenings at home. With the added touch of Christmas sprinkles, they make for a beautiful dessert that looks as good as it tastes!

How to make Christmas sugar cookie bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Christmas sprinkles

Directions:

1. Cookie Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together baking powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

2. Spread the cookie dough into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let it cool completely before frosting.

3. Frosting: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. Once the cookie layer has cooled, spread the frosting on top. Finish with a sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles for that festive touch.

How to serve Christmas sugar cookie bars

Cut the cooled, frosted cookie bars into squares or rectangles and serve them on a festive platter. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat for family and friends.

How to store Christmas sugar cookie bars

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just ensure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Tips to make Christmas sugar cookie bars

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t over-bake the cookie layer; it should be soft in the center.
• Feel free to customize the sprinkles according to your theme or favorite colors.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for extra flavor. Alternatively, try using different extracts like peppermint for a minty twist!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the taste and texture might be slightly different.

Q2: Can I freeze Christmas sugar cookie bars?
A2: Yes, you can freeze un-frosted bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Q3: What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
A3: If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or use extra vanilla extract for flavor.

The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

These festive Christmas sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 24 bars

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Bars

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 1 Large egg
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 3 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter softened
• 2-3 tbsp Milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• few drops Food coloring optional, red or green

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Large mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Cookie Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; do not overbake.
8. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.
4. Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
5. Cut into bars and decorate with sprinkles or candies before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. You can decorate these bars with festive sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter to enhance the Christmas theme. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.