Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Is there anything more festive than the smell of sugar cookies wafting through the house during the holidays? These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies but in a soft, chewy, frosted bar form—no rolling pins or cookie cutters required! Perfect for those busy holiday weeks when you want to bake something special but don’t have hours to spend, these bars combine the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting and a flurry of cheerful holiday sprinkles.

I’ve made these sugar cookie bars countless times, and they’ve become my go-to for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to transport, easy to make, and they never fail to bring smiles to the dessert table. Plus, they’re the perfect canvas for a little holiday creativity—think sprinkles, edible glitter, or even some crushed candy canes!

this RECIPE

My first holiday cookie bar adventure 🎅

One Christmas a few years ago, I had grand plans of making intricately decorated sugar cookies for a family party. Fast forward to the day before the event: I was knee-deep in wrapping paper, running on too much coffee, and very little time. Enter these sugar cookie bars. I found the recipe in a slightly panicked Google search and decided to give them a try. By the time the pan came out of the oven, I knew I’d stumbled onto something magical. The bars were soft, buttery, and perfectly golden, and the frosting? Don’t even get me started. Let’s just say my cousin snagged three before the tray even hit the dessert table.

Now, they’ve become a holiday tradition. Every year, I play around with the decorations, and it’s always a fun project to get the kids involved. Spoiler alert: more sprinkles usually end up on the floor than the bars!

A little sugar cookie history for your holiday trivia

Sugar cookies, in their many forms, date back to the 1700s when German settlers in Pennsylvania created a simple recipe now known as the “Nazareth Sugar Cookie.” Originally made for special occasions, they’ve become a worldwide staple during the holidays. While traditional sugar cookies are rolled and cut into festive shapes, these bars are a modern twist—quicker to make, but with all the buttery nostalgia intact. Plus, they let you skip the rolling pin workout. You’re welcome.

Let’s talk ingredients: why they work (and how to tweak them)

These bars have a short ingredient list, but every item plays a critical role. Let’s break it down:

• Unsalted butter: The foundation of that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it creams easily. If you only have salted butter, just omit the extra salt from the recipe.
• Cream cheese: This adds a slight tang and keeps the bars moist and soft. No substitutions here—it’s the secret ingredient that makes these bars so irresistible!
• White sugar: For that signature sweetness. You could experiment with light brown sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor, though it will alter the texture a bit.
• Vanilla and almond extract: Vanilla is non-negotiable for sugar cookies, while almond extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds that little something extra that will make people ask for the recipe.
• Flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt: The dream team for structure and tenderness. Cornstarch helps keep the bars soft, while baking powder gives just a bit of lift.
• Eggs: The glue that holds it all together and adds richness.

For the frosting:

• Butter and cream cheese: A duo that makes for creamy, slightly tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet bars.
• Powdered sugar: This thickens the frosting and adds sweetness. Adjust based on your desired consistency.
• Holiday sprinkles: Because it’s Christmas, and sprinkles make everything more fun. You can swap these for crushed peppermint, colored sugar, or even mini chocolate chips.

Tools you’ll need (and what you can skip)

This recipe is wonderfully low-maintenance when it comes to kitchen gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch pan: This is non-negotiable if you want those perfect bar-sized servings. If you don’t have one, an 8×8 pan will work, but the bars will be thicker (adjust the baking time accordingly).
• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar. A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer works just as well.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Lining the pan makes it easier to remove the bars for frosting and cutting. Skip this step, and you’ll be chipping frosting off the pan (I’ve been there).
• Offset spatula: Not mandatory, but it makes spreading the frosting a breeze.

How to make these sugar cookie bars (like a pro!)

Alright, let’s bake these beauties step by step. Picture me in the kitchen with you, sharing tips along the way.

1. Prep your pan and oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and grease it lightly. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze later!
2. Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add the extracts and eggs
   Mix in the vanilla and almond extract (if using) along with the eggs. Don’t overbeat here—just mix until smooth.
4. Combine the dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing on low to avoid a flour cloud.
5. Press the dough into the pan
   The batter will be thick and sticky, so use greased hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake and cool
   Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The bars should look set but not browned. Let them cool completely in the pan.
7. Make the frosting
   Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the salt and vanilla, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until it reaches your desired sweetness and thickness.
8. Frost and decorate
   Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and top with sprinkles. Go wild here—it’s Christmas, after all!

Variations and twists to try

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Peppermint twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting and top with crushed candy canes.
• Vegan option: Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough and drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.

How to serve (and wow your guests)

Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and arrange them on a festive platter. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle edible glitter on top of the frosting. These pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a cold glass of milk. Add a candy cane stir stick to the hot cocoa for an extra festive touch!

The perfect drink pairings

• Hot cocoa: A classic pairing that’s kid-friendly and cozy.
• Mulled wine: For the adults, this warm, spiced drink complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Eggnog: Another festive option that brings holiday cheer to the table.

Storing and reheating tips

These bars stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze, wrap them tightly (without frosting) and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

If you need more (or fewer) bars, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. For a smaller batch, use an 8×8 pan and bake for slightly longer. For a larger crowd, double the recipe and bake in two pans.

Let’s troubleshoot together

• Bars are too dry: Be careful not to overbake!
• Frosting too runny: Add more powdered sugar a little at a time.
• Sticky dough: Grease your hands or spatula to press it into the pan easily.

Try these festive sugar cookie bars!

I hope you’re as excited about these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars as I am. They’re festive, delicious, and so much fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting treats to neighbors, or simply baking with family, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite. Give them a try, and let me know how you customize yours!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, just omit the added salt from the recipe.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and taste even better the next day.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

4. Can I skip the cream cheese in the frosting?
You can, but the frosting won’t have the same tangy richness. Substitute with more butter for a classic buttercream.

5. What other toppings can I use?
Try crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, or even toasted coconut for a unique twist!

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