Easy Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s just something about the holidays that calls for sugar, butter, and a whole lot of sprinkles, right? These festive Christmas sugar cookie bars are my go-to when I need something quick, colorful, and delicious to wow a crowd (or just treat myself on a cozy night in). Think buttery, soft sugar cookies topped with fluffy frosting and a flurry of cheerful holiday sprinkles—all the joy of decorating cookies without the hassle of rolling or cutting dough. Trust me, these bars will have you feeling like a holiday baking superstar in no time.

this RECIPE

A sweet holiday memory: where this recipe shines ✨

Every December, my kitchen transforms into a sugar-coated wonderland. One year, my niece and nephew joined me for a baking day. Between giggles, flour fights, and “accidentally” eating spoonfuls of frosting, we whipped up these sugar cookie bars for the first time. They loved how easy it was to spread the dough into the pan (no cookie cutters to fuss with!) and went wild with the sprinkles. When we pulled the finished bars out of the fridge, their eyes lit up like the Christmas tree in our living room. Now, these bars have become a holiday tradition—a recipe that brings people together and makes memories sweeter.

A quick history of sugar cookies 🎅

Sugar cookies have been a holiday staple for centuries, originating in 18th-century Pennsylvania thanks to German immigrants who brought their “Nazareth cookies” to America. Traditionally rolled and shaped into festive designs, sugar cookies have evolved into countless variations. These sugar cookie bars are a modern, time-saving twist on the classic, perfect for busy bakers (or anyone who prefers a simpler approach without sacrificing taste).

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show 🌟

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pantry staples, but the way they come together is pure magic.

• Butter: Creamy and rich, butter is the foundation of both the cookie base and frosting. Use unsalted for more control over the flavor, but if salted is all you have, just reduce the added salt a smidge.
• Granulated and brown sugar: The combo gives the cookie layer sweetness and a hint of chewiness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can sub in all white sugar, but you’ll lose a bit of that soft texture.
• Egg: The glue that binds everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Vanilla and almond extracts: These add warmth and a little festive nuttiness. Don’t skip the almond extract—it’s a small addition, but it makes a big flavor difference.
• All-purpose flour: The structure of the bars. If you’re looking to make these gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise ever so slightly for a soft, light texture.
• Powdered sugar, heavy cream, and sprinkles: These make the frosting ultra-creamy and festive. Swap the heavy cream for milk if needed, but the frosting won’t be as rich.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

To make these sugar cookie bars, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a few basics.

• Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized ones will do the trick.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: While you can mix the dough and frosting by hand, using a mixer makes everything faster and fluffier.
• 8×8 baking pan: This size is ideal for thick, chewy bars. If you only have a 9×9 pan, the bars will be thinner and may bake a little faster.
• Parchment paper or foil: This makes removing the bars from the pan super easy (and saves you from scrubbing sticky corners later).
• Offset spatula (optional): It’s handy for spreading frosting evenly, but a butter knife works just as well.

Step-by-step: baking the perfect sugar cookie bars

Step 1: Prep your pan and oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (the sweet spot for sugar cookies). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out later. Trust me, this little step will make slicing and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy consistency—think of it like the frosting stage before frosting.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. Don’t skip the almond extract—it’s the subtle star of the show here!

Step 4: Fold in the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes—it will look slightly underbaked in the center, but that’s okay. The bars will firm up as they cool. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Whip up the frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add in the heavy cream and vanilla, then whip until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it feels too stiff, add a splash more cream.

Step 7: Frost and sprinkle

Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie layer, then go crazy with the Christmas sprinkles. This is the time to let your inner child shine! Chill the bars in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if you want the frosting to set before slicing.

Variations and festive twists to try 🎁

1. Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check that your sprinkles are GF-friendly.
2. Vegan adaptation: Substitute vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
3. Flavor swaps: Add a hint of peppermint extract to the frosting for a wintery twist, or swap the almond extract for orange or lemon for a citrusy vibe.
4. Seasonal themes: Change the sprinkles and food coloring to match any holiday or occasion—red and pink for Valentine’s, pastels for Easter, or autumn leaves for Thanksgiving.
5. Add-ins: Stir mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts into the dough for extra texture.

How to serve and present like a pro

Cut the bars into even squares or rectangles (a sharp knife works wonders here). If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Serve these bars on a festive platter alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or a plate of other holiday cookies for a dessert spread your guests won’t forget.

Perfect drink pairings ☕️

Pair these sweet, buttery bars with something warm and cozy:

• Hot cocoa: A classic match, especially with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
• Eggnog: For the ultimate holiday indulgence, try a spiked eggnog for the adults.
• Coffee or tea: A lightly sweetened latte or spiced chai balances the sugary richness beautifully.

Storing and reheating tips

These bars are a dream to make ahead! Store them in an airtight container:

• At room temperature: For up to 2 days.
• In the fridge: For up to a week—chilled bars are just as delicious.
• In the freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temp before enjoying.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Hosting a big party? Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few minutes longer. If you halve the recipe for a smaller batch, stick with the 8×8 pan, but the bars will be thinner and bake faster.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the almond extract?
Sure! The bars will still be delicious, but the almond extract gives them that extra holiday magic. Swap it for more vanilla or a citrus extract if you’d like.

2. Why does the center look underbaked?
That’s intentional! These bars firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them or they’ll lose their soft, chewy texture.

3. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze would be amazing here.

4. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Add a pinch of salt to the frosting or use unsalted butter for a more balanced flavor.

5. Do I have to chill the bars before slicing?
Not at all! Chilling just helps the frosting set, but you can slice and serve them right away if you don’t mind a softer frosting.

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