Name: Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for the Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-497565H1M8S
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
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 (for frosting); 1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk (for frosting); 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for frosting); Sprinkles for decoration, if desired

Jump to Recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings joy and sweetness to any holiday gathering. These bars are not only deliciously soft but also topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to your dessert table. The combination of buttery flavor and sweet frosting creates an irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family get-together or a holiday party, these cookie bars are sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This recipe offers numerous reasons to love these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Second, they are versatile; you can decorate them with various toppings, making them suitable for different occasions. Third, their soft and chewy texture is sure to please both kids and adults alike. You’ll also find that they are great for meal prep, as they can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment. Lastly, these bars are a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen, letting you experiment with different flavors and decorations. So, whether you’re making holiday sugar cookie bars or a festive batch for a party, this recipe is a must-try!

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 (for frosting)
1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk (for frosting)
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for frosting)
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 but will make the frosting smoother and easier to mix.
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:

These cookie bars are best stored in a cool place.
Try different sprinkles for variety.
For a richer flavor, consider adding almond extract along with the vanilla.
Be careful not to overbake; the bars should be soft and chewy.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These delicious holiday sugar cookie bars can be served in many delightful ways. Consider pairing them with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a sweet afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a festive dessert platter alongside other Christmas dessert bar recipes. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert!

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To store your Christmas Sugar Cookie 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 prepare them for later, you can freeze the un-frosted bars. When ready to serve, thaw them and add your frosting and sprinkles. This makes them perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in not overbaking them. You want the edges to be just golden while the center remains soft and chewy. This ensures you get that perfect bite every time!

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and frost them closer to the time you plan to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, and mix them thoroughly. Also, measuring your flour correctly is crucial; too much flour can lead to dry bars.

Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Try

There are countless variations of these delightful bars you can experiment with. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter for the frosting. You can also try adding different flavor extracts or spices, such as peppermint or nutmeg, to give your bars a unique twist.

Delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for the Holidays

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously soft and sweet Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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 but will make the frosting smoother and easier to mix.
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.