Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a festive treat that saves time and delights family and friends, you’ve found it! These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a holiday favorite in my house. With their soft texture and creamy frosting, they make for the perfect dessert to bring to gatherings or enjoy during cozy nights at home. Plus, they’re much easier to whip up than traditional sugar cookies, meaning there’s more time for you to enjoy the season!

These bars are not only a hit at Christmas parties but also great for any occasion where you want something sweet and cheerful. Just imagine cutting into a pan of these delicious treats, with colorful sprinkles on top, and watching everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal mess, you’ll be done in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping decorate these bars with sprinkles.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, they fit right in.
• Deliciously Soft Texture: Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth goodness paired with creamy frosting.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake them early in the week and enjoy them all through the holidays!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! You’ll likely find most of these staples in your pantry already.

For the Cookie Bars

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• holiday sprinkles

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Add Different Extracts: Try swapping almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a unique flavor twist.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise in every bite.
• Top with Fruit: Add some crushed berries or lemon zest into the frosting for a refreshing kick.
• Change Up the Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for different holidays or occasions!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cheese

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. This creates a fluffy base that helps give your bars that delightful soft texture.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Extracts

Next, mix in the white sugar along with vanilla and almond extracts. The sugars will help create a beautiful golden color while infusing your bars with sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Eggs provide structure and moisture to your cookie bars, making them rich and delicious.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Mixing slowly helps prevent clumps while ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish

Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is important because even layers will ensure uniform baking throughout.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry bars!

Step 8: Cool Before Frosting

Allow the baked bars to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off and keeps it beautifully intact on top.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 10: Frost & Decorate

Spread your creamy frosting over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle on those holiday sprinkles! Enjoy every bite of this festive treat!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Christmas sugar cookie bars can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and cream cheese helps everything blend smoothly, resulting in a richer flavor and fluffier texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined avoids tough bars. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a denser texture rather than the soft, chewy bars we all love.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough seems too sticky, chilling it for 15-30 minutes makes it easier to spread in the pan without losing its shape.

• Check for doneness: Every oven is different—check your bars a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. They should be lightly golden at the edges and set in the middle.

• Let them cool completely before frosting: This prevents your frosting from melting into gooey goodness. A well-set base allows for a beautifully frosted finish!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These festive sugar cookie bars are not only delicious but can also be beautifully presented for your holiday gatherings! Here are some ideas on how to serve them up with flair.

Garnishes

• Holiday Sprinkles: Top your frosted bars with colorful holiday sprinkles to add visual appeal and a festive touch.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting for a refreshing minty crunch that complements the sweetness of the cookie bars.

Side Dishes

• Festive Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, oranges, and kiwi adds a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Hot Chocolate: Serve these bars alongside warm cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped coconut cream. It’s a cozy pairing that everyone will love!
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Coffee or Tea: The slight bitterness from a cup of coffee or tea balances out the sweetness of the sugar cookie bars perfectly, creating an inviting dessert experience.

By incorporating these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create an unforgettable treat that brings joy to every holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite of these festive delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season while saving yourself some stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Always ensure that they are well covered to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars before freezing for easy serving later.
• Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• If you like your cookie bars warm, microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars.

Can I use different extracts in my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts complement the flavor beautifully, feel free to experiment with other extracts like lemon or peppermint to add a unique twist.

How do I know when my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are done baking?

Your cookie bars should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.

What kind of frosting works best on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

A simple cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with these cookie bars, but you can also use store-bought frosting or a buttercream recipe if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try these Christmas sugar cookie bars! They’re not just easy to make; they bring joy and warmth into your home during the festive season. I hope you enjoy baking them as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your creations or any tips you discover along the way. Happy baking!