Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that will brighten up your holiday gatherings. These delightful cookie bars are soft, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting, making them a perfect dessert option for any celebration. With festive sprinkles to add a pop of color, they are sure to bring joy to your family and friends. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bars that encapsulate the essence of Christmas!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not just visually appealing; they are also incredibly delicious! Here are a few reasons to love them:
- They are easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Soft and chewy, they have a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as gifts.
- Customizable with various decorations and flavors.
- Ideal for kids and adults alike, making them a family favorite.
- They can be made gluten-free by using the right flour substitutes.
With these features, you’ll understand why Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-have during the festive season. They fit perfectly into the American dessert tradition!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Gather these items:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration, if desired
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges to easily lift the cookie bars out later.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Step 7: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
- Step 10: In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- Step 11: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional.
- Step 12: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream.
- Step 13: Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Step 14: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Step 15: Immediately add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Step 16: Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
- Step 17: Store the bars in an airtight container in a single layer.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Don’t overbake; the bars should look slightly underbaked in the center.
- For a festive touch, consider adding peppermint extract to the frosting.
- Using clear vanilla extract gives the frosting a beautiful white color.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Pair them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a dessert platter at your holiday gatherings.
- Wrap them as gifts for friends and family; they make a delightful surprise!
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To store these delicious bars, place them in an airtight container in a single layer. They can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to reheat them, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Perfect for meal prep or quick snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
The secret lies in not overmixing the dough and ensuring it’s properly chilled before baking. This helps achieve that soft and chewy texture, making them the best Christmas Sugar Cookie Squares you’ll ever have!
Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Common mistakes include overbaking and using cold ingredients. Always measure your flour correctly and allow your butter and eggs to reach room temperature for the best results.
Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Try
Feel free to explore different variations with these cookie bars:
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Experiment with different frosting flavors, like cream cheese or chocolate.
- For a fun twist, make No-bake Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars using a cookie crust.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Chewy Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies or Pumpkin Coffee Cake.
These cookie bars are not only a treat but also a great way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Enjoy making them and sharing the joy!
For more festive recipes, visit our Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: The Perfect Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges to easily lift the cookie bars out later.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Immediately add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in a single layer.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg