Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ah, the holiday season! A time for joy, love, and, of course, delectable treats that fill the air with the warm, sweet aroma of Christmas cheer. One of my fondest memories is baking Christmas sugar cookie bars with my grandmother in her tiny kitchen, the air thick with the scent of vanilla and butter. What I love most about these cookie bars is their delightful blend of softness and sweetness, a perfect canvas for festive sprinkles. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling and cutting (which can be a bit of a chore!), these bars are fantastically easy to prepare and just as delicious.
What makes my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stand out from others? It’s all in the extra love and care that goes into the ingredients and the process, making them not just a dessert, but a tradition. Each bite transports you back to joyful family gatherings, laughter echoing in the background, and warmly shared moments. In this blog post, I promise you’ll learn how to whip up these scrumptiously festive bars that will have your loved ones asking for seconds—if not thirds!
What Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a playful twist on traditional sugar cookies, blending the best flavors and textures into one deliciously chewy dessert. These bars emerged from my kitchen as a comforting alternative to the hassle of rolling and cutting dough, capturing the essence of the classic treat without the fuss. They boast a buttery, soft texture with a slight crisp at the edges, making every bite a delightful experience.
These bars are extravagantly sweet, adorned with vibrant red and green sprinkles that scream festivities, making them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or cookie exchange. They’re surprisingly versatile too! You can whip them up for a cozy night in, bring them to a party, or share them with neighbors to spread the holiday spirit. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to join in on the holiday fun without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:
Simplicity: This easy recipe takes no more than an hour from start to finish. The batter comes together quickly with minimal fuss, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your time with family.
No Rolling Required: Say goodbye to rolling out cookie dough! Just mix, bake, and frost—easy peasy!
Customization: These bars are a blank canvas. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even zest from an orange or lemon to add a delightful twist.
Cost-Effective: Baking at home is not only fun but also budget-friendly. With basic pantry staples (that you might already have) you can create a batch that rivals any gourmet bakery.
Perfect for Sharing: With 24 generous pieces, these bars are perfect for bringing to gatherings or holiday parties. They look festive and are sure to impress!
Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a delightful activity that fills your kitchen with warmth—a cozy reminder of cherished family traditions. You’ll also find that they are remarkably forgiving, suited for bakers of all skill levels, making them the ideal treat for anyone looking to embrace the holiday baking spirit.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened (room temperature for best results)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons red and green jimmy sprinkles
For the Frosting:
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons, softened to room temperature
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra sprinkles for decoration
Notes:
- Stick with high-quality butter for the best flavor; I love using Kerrygold!
- Use pure vanilla extract—not imitation—for that warm, authentic taste.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute ingredients where needed! For instance, you can use almond flour for a gluten-free alternative or coconut sugar for a healthier sweetener.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, and beat until smooth—don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the baking powder and salt. Then slowly add in the flour, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in 3 tablespoons of red and green sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Spread and Bake: Using a spatula (or even your hands), evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid overbaking—you’re looking for a light golden color with a soft center.
Cooling Time: Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack; patience is key!
Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer (or a large bowl using hand beaters), whip the butter for 2 minutes until creamy and lightened in color. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and follow with vanilla extract, mixing in 3 tablespoons of cream or milk. Adjust the thickness by adding more as needed.
Whip It Good: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape the sides and make sure everything is fully incorporated. If you desire a splash of color, mix in food coloring at this stage.
Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and generously top with additional sprinkles. Cut into 24 pieces and prepare for them to vanish within moments!
Enjoy!: Serve these delightful treats at your family gatherings or cozy up on the couch with one (or two!).
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Taste Test: For the freshest cookies, keep the dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap if you’re making it a day ahead.
- Storage: These bars can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie bars and the frosting in advance. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Troubleshoot: If your frosting turns out too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add just a splash more cream—it’s that easy!
Serving Suggestions
While these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars shine all on their own, pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage for an indulgent treat that warms your heart. For an extra festive touch, stack them on a vibrant holiday platter or serve them with holiday-themed napkins. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even a simple weekday treat to put a smile on your face!
Variations & Substitutions
- Flavor Combinations: Feel free to switch things up! Add crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist, or mix in white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast.
- Dietary Restrictions: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Dairy-free? Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter.
- Seasonal Variations: For a spring twist, swap in pastel-colored sprinkles and add a hint of lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 servings
- Estimated Calories: 150 calories per serving
- Storage Instructions: Keep cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or base them individually and freeze them for up to three months.
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, you can, but note that butter gives a richer flavor and better texture!
How do I prevent my cookie bars from sticking to the pan?
- Greasing the pan or using parchment paper will help prevent sticking!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- Milk or even a non-dairy milk will work beautifully—just adjust the quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
- Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What if I want to make mini bars?
- You can use a smaller baking pan, and adjust the baking time slightly—just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
How can I add more flavor to my bars?
- Besides vanilla, feel free to add elements like almond extract, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for depth.
Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- Yes, by using gluten-free flour, you can create an equally delightful treat!
How long do the cookie bars stay fresh?
- They will last about a week at room temperature when stored properly.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
- Definitely! Get creative with seasonal sprinkles or a mix that suits your theme.
What is the best way to serve them?
- These are delightful on a platter or in festive boxes for gifting.
Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a holiday treasure—easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing. I hope you and your family create beautiful memories in the kitchen as you bring these treats to life. If you try them (which I wholeheartedly encourage), please let me know how they turn out! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your festive creations. And if you’re inspired, check out my other holiday recipes that will surely bring cheer to your festivities!
Happy baking!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, and beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the baking powder and salt. Slowly add in the flour, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in 3 tablespoons of red and green sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In a stand mixer, whip the butter for 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and follow with vanilla extract, mixing in 3 tablespoons of cream or milk. Adjust the thickness by adding more as needed.
- Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and generously top with additional sprinkles.
- Cut into 24 pieces and serve.
