Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and effortlessly festive treat of the holiday season:
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Imagine all the beloved flavors and textures of classic sugar cookies – that signature soft, buttery melt-in-your-mouth goodness, crowned with a rich, velvety frosting and a generous scattering of vibrant sprinkles – but without any of the traditional fuss. No endless rolling, no tedious cutting of individual shapes, just pure, unadulterated holiday baking joy simplified into an easy-to-make bar. These delectable bars are poised to become your new favorite holiday tradition, perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply savoring a cozy moment at home.
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of holiday treats beyond these incredible bars, you’ll also adore my
Reindeer Cookie Bars,
Peppermint Snowball Cookies, and
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes!
The Magic of Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
There’s something truly magical about homemade sugar cookies, and during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deliver that magic with unparalleled ease. I find myself reaching for this recipe year after year, especially when I need a treat that feels special but doesn’t demand hours of intricate work. The cookie base boasts a delightful softness that practically melts in your mouth, infused with a harmonious blend of vanilla and almond extracts, giving it that iconic, comforting sugar cookie flavor we all cherish.
What sets these bars apart is their incredible simplicity. Instead of the traditional rolling and cutting that can turn cookie-making into a marathon, you simply press the dough into a pan, bake, and then slather it with a perfectly sweet, creamy frosting. It’s a game-changer for busy bakers! The rich buttercream frosting, made with a generous amount of powdered sugar and a touch of milk, spreads like a dream, creating a smooth canvas for your festive decorations. And speaking of festive, don’t forget the sprinkles! A cascade of colorful Christmas sprinkles instantly transforms these simple bars into eye-catching holiday showstoppers, making them absolutely ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or heartfelt neighbor gifts.
The versatility of these bars is another reason to love them. While they shine brightest adorned with red and green for Christmas, you can easily switch up the almond extract or sprinkles to match any celebration throughout the year. Imagine pastel sprinkles for Easter, patriotic colors for the Fourth of July, or autumnal hues for Thanksgiving. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, almost always the first dessert to disappear from any spread. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet night in with your family, these sugar cookie bars promise a moment of sweet indulgence and festive cheer.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit your creativity to just Christmas! Experiment with different sprinkle colors and shapes to make these bars suitable for any occasion, from birthdays to New Year’s celebrations.
Why These Sugar Cookie Bars Will Become Your Holiday Staple
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a solution to common holiday baking challenges and a source of genuine joy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: The biggest draw of these bars is undoubtedly their ease. Forget the time-consuming process of rolling out dough, cutting individual shapes with cookie cutters, and then meticulously transferring delicate cookies to baking sheets. With this recipe, you simply press the dough into a 9×13 inch pan and bake. This streamlined approach allows you to enjoy the unparalleled taste of homemade sugar cookies without any of the traditional fuss, freeing up precious time during the busy holiday season.
- Irresistibly Soft and Buttery Texture: The foundation of these bars is a perfectly crafted cookie base that is rich in butter and boasts an incredibly soft, chewy texture. Each bite delivers that delightful melt-in-your-mouth sensation that true sugar cookie aficionados crave. This exquisite texture is beautifully complemented by the generous layer of smooth, creamy frosting, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and consistencies that everyone will adore.
- A Delightful Activity for All Ages: With straightforward ingredients and a fun, customizable decorating step, these cookie bars are an ideal baking project for the whole family. Kids will love helping to measure ingredients, pressing the dough into the pan, and especially showering the frosted bars with colorful sprinkles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create cherished holiday memories together while producing a truly delicious and festive treat that everyone can enjoy.
Mastering the Art of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these soft, buttery, and festively frosted Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a truly rewarding experience, especially with their no-fuss method. Below, we’ll walk through each step, offering detailed tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. You’ll find that the rich vanilla and almond flavors in the cookie base, coupled with the creamy frosting and vibrant sprinkles, capture the essence of classic sugar cookies in a wonderfully convenient form. As always,
the complete, printable recipe with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Crafting the Perfect Sugar Cookie Base
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, resulting in a tender and soft cookie texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, beat in the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The egg yolk adds richness and helps create that chewy texture, while the extracts infuse the dough with classic sugar cookie flavor. Continue mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agents or salt in your finished bars.
- Gently Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain.
- Press and Bake: Evenly spread the soft cookie dough into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. You can use your hands, a spatula, or the back of a spoon to press the dough into a uniform layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The center should still look slightly soft; remember, slight underbaking is key for soft, chewy bars.
- Cool Completely: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is non-negotiable! If you try to frost warm bars, the frosting will melt into a messy puddle. Patience here will pay off with perfectly set frosting.
Whipping Up the Dreamy Frosting
- Cream Butter for Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. This forms the luscious base of your buttercream frosting.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual process helps prevent a cloud of sugar dust in your kitchen and ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Add Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Incorporate the vanilla extract, fine sea salt, and 1-3 tablespoons of whole milk. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If your frosting seems too thick, add additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
- Frost, Decorate, and Serve: Once your cookie bars are completely cool, evenly spread the prepared frosting over the top. This is where the fun begins! Generously add your favorite Christmas sprinkles, or any festive toppings you choose. Once decorated, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy these delightful treats!
Expert Tip: For the perfect frosting consistency, always start with less milk than you think you need. You can always add more, one teaspoon at a time, but it’s much harder to thicken thin frosting without adding excessive powdered sugar.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are so delicious that they’re often devoured quickly, but it’s helpful to know how to properly store them or make them ahead of time for peak freshness and convenience.
- Make Ahead: The frosting can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip with an electric mixer to restore its fluffy texture. The unfrosted cookie bars can also be baked a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature: Once frosted, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain frosting consistency.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The frosting will firm up, so allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving for the best soft texture.
- Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the unfrosted cookie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving. Frosted bars can also be frozen, but be sure to freeze them solid on a tray first, then wrap individually to prevent the frosting from sticking, before storing in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can certainly use salted butter in this recipe. However, to maintain the perfect balance of flavors, you’ll need to adjust the amount of added salt. If using salted butter, reduce the salt in the sugar cookie bars to ¼ teaspoon and omit the salt entirely from the buttercream frosting. This adjustment will prevent your bars from becoming too salty.
Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! While almond extract contributes to that classic sugar cookie taste, you can easily substitute it. For a pure vanilla flavor, simply use an additional ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Alternatively, for a different twist, consider using lemon extract for a bright, citrusy note, or coconut extract for a tropical touch. Feel free to experiment with flavors that appeal to you!
How do I know when the Christmas sugar cookie bars are done baking?
The key to perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie bars is to avoid overbaking. The edges of the bars should appear lightly golden brown, but the center should still look slightly soft and might even jiggle a little when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, they might be slightly overbaked, which can result in a drier bar.
Can I add sprinkles to the cookie dough?
Yes, adding sprinkles directly to the cookie dough is a fun way to incorporate extra texture and color throughout the bars! If you choose to do this, I highly recommend using “jimmie” sprinkles (the cylindrical ones) rather than “nonpareils” (the tiny, round ones). Nonpareils are more prone to bleeding their color into the dough during baking, especially with wetter doughs, which can result in a muted or streaky appearance.
What if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
Achieving the ideal frosting consistency is crucial for smooth spreading. If your frosting is too thick and difficult to spread, gradually add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition until it reaches your desired creamy, spreadable texture. If the frosting turns out too thin and runny, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens sufficiently. Remember to adjust slowly to avoid over-correcting.
Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Absolutely! Adding food coloring is a fantastic way to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for any holiday or theme. I recommend using gel food coloring over liquid food coloring. Gel colors are highly concentrated, so you only need a few drops to achieve vibrant hues, and they are less likely to thin out your frosting, maintaining its perfect consistency. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
What is the best way to cut the cookie bars?
For beautifully clean and sharp cuts, ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled and the frosting is set. Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before slicing can also make cutting much easier and cleaner. Use a sharp knife, and for the neatest results, wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between each cut. This prevents frosting from dragging and smearing onto the next piece.
Exciting Variations to Elevate Your Sugar Cookie Bars
While these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect as is, they also serve as a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are some delightful variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a generous handful of mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough before pressing it into the pan. This adds a delightful chocolatey dimension and a lovely textural contrast to the classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Festive Peppermint Twist: For a refreshing holiday twist, swap out the vanilla and almond extracts for peppermint extract in both the cookie dough and the frosting. Top with crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles for an ultimate minty Christmas treat.
- Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a richer, slightly tangy frosting, try using a classic cream cheese frosting instead of the buttercream. Its creamy texture and subtle tang pair wonderfully with the sweet, soft cookie base.
- Creative Topping Ideas: Beyond traditional sprinkles, get creative with your toppings! Consider topping the frosted bars with crushed candy canes, mini M&Ms, holiday-themed candies, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair and flavor.
- Bright Citrus Zest: For a fresh and aromatic flavor profile, add a teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the cookie dough. The citrus oils will infuse the bars with a bright, tangy note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Trish’s Top Tips for Flawless Sugar Cookie Bars
To ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars turn out absolutely perfect every single time, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This is crucial because room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smooth, homogenous dough and a light, airy frosting. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy batter and a denser texture.
- Avoid Overbaking for Softness: Keep a close eye on your cookie bars as they bake. They should appear just lightly golden around the edges, but the center should still look soft and perhaps slightly underdone. Overbaking is the quickest way to end up with dry, crumbly bars instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This tip cannot be stressed enough! It is absolutely vital to allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about applying the frosting. If the bars are even slightly warm, your beautiful frosting will melt, slide off, and create a messy situation.
- Chill for Cleaner Slices: For perfectly clean, sharp edges on your cookie bar slices, I highly recommend chilling the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before cutting. A slightly firm frosting and cookie base will cut much more neatly. For an even smoother cut, use a warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) and clean it between each slice.
Explore More Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes
If you’re still in the mood for baking after whipping up these amazing sugar cookie bars, be sure to check out some of my other favorite holiday cookie recipes:
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Grinch Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Thumbprint Cookies
- Eggnog Cookies
Print
Pin
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Keyword
christmas dessert, christmas sugar cookie bars, sugar cookie bars
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
20
bars
Calories
376
kcal
Author
Trish – Mom On Timeout
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (227 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300 grams
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 300 grams
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (227 grams)
- 4 cups powdered sugar 480 grams
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1-3 tablespoons whole milk
Sprinkles
- ⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles your favorite
Instructions
Cookie Bars
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter,
1 ½ cups granulated sugar -
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.1 large egg,
1 large egg yolk,
2 teaspoons vanilla extract,
½ teaspoon almond extract -
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.2 ½ cups all-purpose flour,
½ teaspoon baking powder,
½ teaspoon fine sea salt -
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
-
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.1 cup unsalted butter
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.4 cups powdered sugar
-
Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1-3 tablespoons whole milk,
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt -
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
-
Add sprinkles if desired. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles
Notes
Storage Information
Make Ahead: You can make the frosting ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix with a beater before spreading it on the bars.
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature.
Freezer: Unfrosted cookie bars can be frozen for up to three months and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
See post above for more information, frequently asked questions and recipe tips.
Nutrition
Calories:
376
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
51
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
19
g
|
Saturated Fat:
12
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
57
mg
|
Sodium:
94
mg
|
Potassium:
38
mg
|
Fiber:
0.4
g
|
Sugar:
39
g
|
Vitamin A:
580
IU
|
Calcium:
15
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars truly embody the spirit of holiday baking – delicious, beautiful, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a foolproof way to bring festive cheer to your table. Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity with sprinkles, and get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible treats. Happy baking!