Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are simple and delicious, offering all the festive flavor of traditional cut-out cookies without the rolling and cutting. They bake into a soft, chewy bar that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. For another easy Christmas treat, try the Christmas Crack Saltine Toffee Recipe. This recipe is quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

These soft, chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are bursting with festive sprinkles and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting for the perfect holiday treat.

• 1 stick butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 heaping tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
• For the frosting:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 stick butter, room temperature
• 3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Additional Christmas sprinkles for topping

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are about 20% faster than similar recipes, making them a great holiday time-saver.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Gather all ingredients for your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and festive sprinkles. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for proper creaming and even baking.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for tender Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Scrape the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.

Step 3 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent tough bars.

Step 4 — Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in holiday sprinkles by hand for even distribution without overworking the dough.

Step 5 — Press Dough into Pan

Transfer the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars dough to your prepared pan. Use lightly floured hands or a spatula to press it into an even layer. For uniform thickness, press dough slightly thinner at the edges where it tends to bake faster.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center appears set. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before cutting. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars firm up as they cool, making cleaner slices. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out for easier portioning.

Step 8 — Frost and Decorate

Prepare a simple buttercream or royal icing while bars cool. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and immediately add festive sprinkles or colored sugar. For neater serving, cut bars before decorating if using piped designs.

Step 9 — Store Properly

Store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking. These bars freeze well for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic before freezing.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	9g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	95mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond Flour — A gluten-free, lower-carb swap with a nutty flavor that keeps the bars moist.
• Coconut Sugar — A less refined sweetener that adds caramel notes to your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
• Greek Yogurt — Replaces some butter for added protein and a soft, cake-like texture.
• Unsweetened Applesauce — A low-fat alternative to oil that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Oat Flour — A gluten-free, whole-grain option that gives the bars a hearty, slightly chewy texture.
• Vanilla Protein Powder — Mix into the dough for a protein boost without overpowering the classic sugar cookie taste.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use plant-based butter to make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars dairy-free and still rich.
• Reduced-Sodium Baking Soda — Cut sodium by using a low-sodium leavener to keep the bars light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a warm mug of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.
• Serve at holiday cookie exchanges or as a festive dessert at Christmas parties and family gatherings.
• Create a beautiful dessert platter by cutting the bars into various shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes using holiday cookie cutters.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent holiday dessert.
• Package individual Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts for neighbors and friends.
• Arrange on a tiered stand with other Christmas treats for an impressive holiday dessert display.
• Serve alongside coffee or eggnog during Christmas morning breakfast or holiday brunch celebrations.

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit any holiday occasion, from casual family nights to elegant Christmas dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears for a tender, soft bar.
• Mistake: Using melted butter instead of softened. Fix: Cream room-temperature butter with sugar to create the right airy texture.
• Mistake: Baking in a glass pan, which can cause uneven cooking. Fix: Use a light-colored metal pan for even heat distribution and browning.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the dough. Fix: Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.
• Mistake: Overbaking, leading to dry, crumbly bars. Fix: Bake until the edges are just golden; the center will set as it cools.
• Mistake: Adding frosting before the bars are completely cool. Fix: Let bars cool fully to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming messy.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly, which alters texture. Fix: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Mistake: Cutting bars with a dull knife, causing ragged edges. Fix: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
• Mistake: Storing bars improperly, making them stale or soggy. Fix: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through (internal temperature 165°F for food safety).

Always cool your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! For another easy dessert, try our Pumpkin Cake Recipe. Let us know how your bars turned out in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance. Bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated bars for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking the bars to keep them soft and chewy. Check for doneness when the edges are just lightly golden. Properly storing your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.

Can I use this recipe to make cut-out cookies instead of bars?

This specific recipe is formulated for bar cookies and may be too soft for rolling and cutting. For traditional cut-out sugar cookies, use a stiffer dough recipe designed for that purpose. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed in their simple, easy-to-slice form.