The holiday season is the perfect time for baking, and what better way to celebrate than with delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars? These soft and chewy bars bring the magic of traditional sugar cookies to life in an easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or as a festive gift, these bars are topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles, making them a cheerful addition to any holiday spread.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
Why Make This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars encapsulate all the flavors and joy of classic holiday sugar cookies but eliminate the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert that is not only beautiful but also perfect for sharing. Their vivid colors from the sprinkles and creamy frosting will brighten any festive occasion, and the soft, buttery texture makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to transport, making them great for gifting or taking to family gatherings.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating these delightful Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward and fun. Just follow these simple steps to whip up a batch that will impress your friends and family!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Creamy vanilla frosting (for topping)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that your bars have a consistent texture.
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Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This may take about 3-5 minutes. Beat in the egg and stir in both the vanilla and almond extract for a warm, inviting flavor.
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Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies light and airy.
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Step 5: Spreading the Dough
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
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Step 6: Baking
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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Step 7: Cooling
Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential for getting the perfect texture.
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Step 8: Frosting
Once cooled, generously frost the bars with creamy vanilla frosting. Use a spatula or a piping bag for a more decorative finish.
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Step 9: Decorating
Sprinkle with colorful decorations or festive sprinkles to add that holiday touch.
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Step 10: Serving
Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars are perfect for serving at holiday parties, packed into gift boxes, or simply enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa. You can serve them as is or warm them slightly for a melty frosting effect. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside brownies or gingerbread cookies for a varied holiday treat.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- To keep your bars soft, do not overbake. They should be just set in the middle.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts in the frosting, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique twist.
- Use seasonal sprinkles to enhance the festive look of your bars.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, double the frosting recipe for an extra layer of sweetness.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Bars: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolate-dotted treat.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy fruit flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, though it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? You can omit it or substitute with additional vanilla extract for a more traditional flavor.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften a bit before spreading in the pan.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking? The edges will start to turn a light golden brown, and the center should appear set but slightly soft when you gently press on it.
- Can I decorate these bars for other holidays? Yes! Change the sprinkles for different colors or shapes to match any holiday or occasion.
Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season. They bring a lovely blend of butter, vanilla, and almond flavors, topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles, making them simply irresistible. Whether you bake them for a party, give them as gifts, or enjoy them with family, these bars are sure to create warm memories. Give this recipe a try, and bring a bit of holiday cheer to your kitchen!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring the magic of traditional sugar cookies to life in an easy-to-make treat, topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Creamy vanilla frosting (for topping)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, then beat in the egg and stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Frost the bars with creamy vanilla frosting after cooling.
- Sprinkle with colorful decorations or sprinkles.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
