Is there anything more evocative of the holiday season than the sweet, comforting taste of sugar cookies? This year, ditch the cookie cutters and embrace the ease of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! These bars capture all the classic sugar cookie flavor in a simple, crowd-pleasing format, perfect for busy holiday bakers. Imagine a soft, buttery base topped with a creamy, vanilla-infused frosting, adorned with festive sprinkles. They are so easy to make that even a beginner baker can impress their friends and family with a batch of these festive bars. It’s a simple twist on a holiday favorite, and sure to become a new Christmas tradition.
I’ve been baking professionally and developing recipes for over 10 years. During that time, I’ve learned that simplifying classics can often lead to the best results. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect example. They deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even a simple weeknight treat. Plus, with the rise of easy holiday baking trends, these bars are perfectly positioned to become a viral sensation. Get ready to spread some Christmas cheer with every delicious bite!
Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bars. Its gluten development provides the structure needed for a soft, yet sturdy base. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend will work well.
- Granulated Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb. The sugar crystals also tenderize the dough, making the bars soft.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Butter is a fat, and the fat coats the flour molecules to tenderize the bars and limit gluten development.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Use large eggs for the best results. The lecithin in egg yolks also acts as an emulsifier, helping to evenly distribute the fats in the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the bars. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. It helps to boost other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise. Double-acting baking powder ensures a consistent rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. A pinch of salt can make all the difference.
Frosting Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure for the frosting. Sifting it ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting. Softened butter is key for a smooth consistency.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth, spreadable frosting. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Festive Sprinkles: Adds a touch of holiday cheer! Use your favorite colors and shapes.
Substitution Tips
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure it’s a baking stick, not a spread.
- Eggs: You can try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a binder.
- Vanilla Extract: Almond extract can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and creating a sticky mess. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs will cream together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will also prevent the bars from spreading too much.
- Customize with Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond, lemon, or peppermint, to create unique flavor variations.
FAQ: Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Questions Answered
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
How do I get the frosting perfectly smooth?
The key to smooth frosting is to use softened butter and sift your powdered sugar. Start with a small amount of liquid and add more gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Beat the frosting for several minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Can I freeze these sugar cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars, either frosted or unfrosted. If frosting, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Unfrosted bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen in a freezer-safe container. Thaw completely before serving.
What kind of sprinkles are best for these bars?
Any kind of sprinkles will work! Jimmies, nonpareils, sanding sugar, and edible glitter are all great options. Choose your favorite colors and shapes to create a festive look.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these bars. Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the batter before pressing it into the pan.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking pan well with butter or baking spray, or line it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment overhangs the sides of the pan, so you can easily lift the bars out after baking.
Bake Up Some Holiday Happiness
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are so easy to make, deliciously festive, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or simply a cozy night in, these bars will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some holiday happiness! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #ChristmasSugarCookieBars – we can’t wait to see your festive variations! Enjoy!
PrintEasy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Skip the rolling enjoy festive delicious bars Bake up holiday magic today
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Festive sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. For thicker bars, chill dough for 30 minutes before pressing into pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles.
- Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Capture the classic sugar cookie flavor in a simple, crowd-pleasing format with these easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. A soft, buttery base topped with creamy vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles – perfect for busy holiday bakers!
