Indulge in the joy of the holiday season with these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and topped with a festive frosting, these bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. Say goodbye to the hassle of rolling out individual cookies and hello to a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Bars:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
More holiday sprinkles for topping
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Spread the Dough: Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For the Frosting:
Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you want to add some color, incorporate food coloring at this stage.
Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle on your favorite holiday sprinkles for that festive touch!
Serve: Cut into squares and serve these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars at your holiday gatherings.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Cut the bars into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Place them on a festive platter and garnish with additional holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for an attractive presentation.
Pairing: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a holiday spiced latte. Consider serving them alongside other holiday treats for a festive dessert table.
Serving Temperature: Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If they have been refrigerated, let them sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Individual Wrapping: For parties or gifting, consider wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane or placing them in treat bags. This makes for a charming presentation and is easy to grab for guests.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep the bars fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them. Place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly change the texture, making them firmer.
Freezing: For longer storage, these cookie bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Frosting Considerations: If you plan to freeze the bars, it’s best to frost them after thawing. If you’ve already frosted them, ensure that the frosting is fully set before wrapping them to prevent sticking.
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FAQs:
Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These sugar cookie bars can be made a few days in advance. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to frost them closer to serving time, you can bake the bars ahead, let them cool completely, and frost them the day you plan to serve.
How do I store leftover sugar cookie bars?
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for 2-3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly if freezing.
Can I customize the frosting?
Absolutely! You can customize the frosting by adding different food coloring, flavors (like almond extract), or even incorporating seasonal ingredients such as peppermint extract. Feel free to experiment with toppings, too; crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or different sprinkles can add a festive touch.
What should I do if my cookie bars turn out too dry?
If your cookie bars turn out dry, check the baking time and temperature. Make sure to bake them just until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; overbaking can lead to dryness. You can also try adding a bit more butter or sugar next time, or incorporating a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for added moisture.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a celebration! With their soft and chewy texture, vibrant frosting, and festive sprinkles, they embody the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet gift to share, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that are soft, chewy, and topped with a delightful frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these easy-to-make bars are a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies, making them an ideal treat for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
More holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and top with holiday sprinkles.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
For a softer texture, avoid overbaking; keep an eye on the bars as they bake.
You can customize the frosting with different colors and flavors to match your holiday theme.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal
