Easiest Dreamy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

The holidays are all about tradition, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats! This year, ditch the fussy cookie cutters and embrace the ease and joy of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy, perfectly sweet sugar cookie, but in bar form – no rolling, no individual baking sheets, just pure holiday bliss. These bars are not only incredibly simple to make, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in with a mug of hot cocoa. Plus, the festive sprinkles add that touch of Christmas magic that everyone loves. Let’s create some sweet memories together with these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

I’ve been baking for over 15 years, and sugar cookies have always been a Christmas staple. I wanted to simplify the process without sacrificing the classic sugar cookie taste and texture. After experimenting with different ratios and techniques, I’ve perfected this bar recipe, ensuring it’s foolproof and utterly delicious. The beauty of these bars is that you get the same nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies, but with significantly less effort. They’re also incredibly versatile – you can customize them with your favorite sprinkles and frosting to create a truly unique holiday treat. This year, with time being more precious than ever, these bars offer a delightful solution to satisfy your sweet tooth and spread some holiday cheer!

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Perfection

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Let’s dive into why each ingredient matters and explore potential substitutions to make this recipe work for you!

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bars. Flour provides structure and texture. I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour for the best results. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend will work well, but the texture might be slightly different.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a touch of crispness. The granulated sugar not only provides sweetness but also helps to create those slightly crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the soft center.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. If you only have salted butter on hand, omit the added salt in the recipe.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds warmth. A good quality vanilla extract makes all the difference.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the bars rise. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt, it’s crucial for a well-rounded flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For the frosting. Powdered sugar creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Milk: To adjust the consistency of the frosting. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You can substitute with cream for a richer frosting.
• Christmas Sprinkles: For festive decoration! Feel free to get creative with your sprinkle choices. Use a mix of shapes and colors for a vibrant look.

Ingredient Science: The ratio of butter to sugar is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Too much butter can result in a greasy bar, while too little can make them dry. The eggs provide moisture and binding, while the baking powder ensures a light and airy texture.

Substitution Tips:

• Butter: Vegan butter alternatives work well in this recipe.
• Eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Milk: Any type of milk will work, including non-dairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

After testing these bars countless times, I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you achieve sugar cookie bar perfection every time:

• Don’t Overbake: This is the most crucial tip! Overbaked sugar cookie bars will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted into the center might come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs is key for a smooth and consistent batter. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, resulting in a more tender and evenly baked bar.
• Even Baking: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature readings. Rotate the baking pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): While not essential, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the bars from spreading too much in the oven. This will result in thicker, chewier bars.
• Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker frosting, use less milk. For a thinner frosting, add more milk.
• Sprinkle Placement: Add the sprinkles immediately after frosting the bars so they adhere properly. If the frosting sets before you add the sprinkles, they won’t stick as well.
• Cutting Tips: For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely before frosting and cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Pro Insight: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of almond extract to the batter. It complements the vanilla beautifully and adds a touch of sophistication to the bars.

FAQ: Your Burning Sugar Cookie Bar Questions Answered

Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The baked and cooled bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If you plan to freeze them, it’s best to freeze them unfrosted. Thaw them completely before frosting and adding sprinkles.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

The key is to not overbake them. Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Also, make sure you’re using the correct amount of butter and eggs, as these ingredients contribute to the moisture content of the bars.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Of course! While I love the classic powdered sugar frosting, you can definitely experiment with other types of frosting. Cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even a simple glaze would all be delicious on these bars.

What if I don’t have Christmas sprinkles?

No problem at all! You can use any type of sprinkles you like, or even skip the sprinkles altogether. Consider using colored sugar, chopped nuts, or melted chocolate for decoration. Get creative and have fun with it!

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these bars. I recommend using semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. You could also add white chocolate chips or even chopped nuts.

How do I store leftover sugar cookie bars?

Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, consider storing them in a single layer or separating layers with parchment paper.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch of sugar cookie bars. Simply double all of the ingredients and bake in a larger baking pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be slightly longer.

Spread Holiday Cheer with Every Bite

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a shortcut to creating cherished holiday memories. Easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious, they’re the perfect treat to share with family and friends this Christmas season. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these delightful bars. And don’t forget to tag me in your creations on social media – I can’t wait to see your festive masterpieces! Happy baking and happy holidays!

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