When the holiday season rolls around, the thought of baking brings back warm memories of family traditions. One of my all-time favorites is making Christmas sugar cookie bars. They’re colorful, festive, and oh-so-delicious, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. And with a difficulty level that’s truly beginner-friendly, these bars come together quickly without any fuss.
These cookie bars are a delightful blend of soft, chewy texture and sweet frosting, topped off with sprinkles for that perfect holiday touch. Ideal for cookie exchanges or simply sharing with loved ones, these bars carry all the classic flavors of Christmas cookies but in a simpler, no-fuss form.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Perfectly sweet, with a soft and chewy texture.
- Great for cookie exchanges or holiday parties.
- Easily customizable with different sprinkles or frosting flavors.
- Kids love helping decorate the bars!
“These cookie bars are a holiday favorite that everyone can enjoy!”
Step-by-step overview
Making Christmas sugar cookie bars is a breeze! Start by creaming together the butter and sugar, mix in the eggs and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients. Spread the dough in a baking pan, bake until golden, and finish with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. It’s that simple!
Key ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming. You can use margarine, but results may vary.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you might try gluten-free flour for a wheat-free version.
- Sprinkles: Feel free to switch up the colors based on the occasion, or use chocolate chips instead.
How to make it
This recipe for Christmas sugar cookie bars is straightforward and fun! You’ll begin by creaming the butter and sugar, then add in the eggs and vanilla. Mix your dry ingredients separately and combine them before spreading the dough into your pan. Bake, cool, frost, and decorate—easy as pie!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth to make the frosting. Spread over the cooled bars.
- Top with sprinkles and cut into squares to serve.
Pro Tip: Make sure to let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting so the icing doesn’t melt!
Helpful cooking tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: When the edges start to turn golden, it’s time to take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these Christmas sugar cookie bars with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. They also make an excellent treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Their festive appearance makes them perfect for holiday trays or dessert platters.
How to store & freeze
These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How to fix common issues
If your cookie bars turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. If they taste bland, a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your sugar cookie bars! Adding almond extract instead of vanilla or folding in some mini chocolate chips can provide a fun twist. You could also incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Common questions
Can I use lower-fat butter?
You can use lower-fat butter, but the texture may be slightly different, often resulting in less fluffiness.
How long do these cookie bars last?
When stored properly, they’ll typically last about a week at room temperature, or longer in the freezer.
Can I frost them ahead of time?
Yes! These cookie bars can be made ahead of time and frosted the day you plan to serve them. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These Christmas sugar cookie bars are not just a treat; they’re a joyful addition to your holiday celebrations. Their ease of preparation and delightful flavor make them a crowd favorite, ensuring you’ll have plenty of smiles at your gathering. Give them a try this holiday season, and enjoy the sweet taste of family traditions!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth to make the frosting. Spread over the cooled bars.
- Top with sprinkles and cut into squares to serve.