Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. These soft, chewy bars are topped with a creamy, buttery frosting and decorated with colorful sprinkles, making them the perfect treat for holiday parties or gift-giving. Whether you’re baking with the family or bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 5-6 tbsp heavy cream
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
6. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and fluffy. If you like, add food coloring to create festive colors.
7. Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with sprinkles as desired.
8. Cut the bars into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Flavor variations: Add almond extract to the frosting or dough for a subtle twist on the traditional sugar cookie flavor.
• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar into the dough before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Different Frosting: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweet cookie bars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature, but you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them soft.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but if you do, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate.
2. Can I make these without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacer to make these bars vegan.
3. Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! You can use store-bought frosting or cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I add other decorations besides sprinkles? Yes, you can use colored sugars, mini chocolate chips, or even holiday-themed candies as decorations.
5. Can I use a smaller or larger pan? A smaller pan will result in thicker bars, while a larger pan will give you thinner bars. Adjust the baking time accordingly if you use a different size pan.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the texture may be denser. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
7. How can I make the frosting more colorful? Use food coloring to dye the frosting as desired. You can create multiple colors for a more vibrant design.
8. How do I prevent the frosting from melting? Make sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to ensure the frosting stays intact.
9. Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the dough in a disc shape or rolled out before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
10. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and festive dessert that takes the beloved sugar cookie to the next level. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these bars are a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or coworkers, these sweet and creamy treats will spread holiday cheer wherever they go!

Print