Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: Bake the Perfect Treat!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup frosting (for topping); Sprinkles (for decoration)

Posted on October 25, 2025

DESSERT

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Introduction to Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. That’s where these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come in! They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re a festive solution for busy days filled with holiday chaos. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these soft, buttery bars topped with colorful sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet moment, these bars are sure to impress and spread holiday cheer in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 40 minutes, making them a quick and delightful treat. The soft, chewy texture paired with a sweet frosting is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, these bars will quickly become a holiday favorite!

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your bars, providing structure and a soft texture.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the bars their delightful sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
Large egg: The egg binds everything together, contributing to the chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor! It adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the bars.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise, making them light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Almond extract: This optional ingredient adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
Frosting: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade frosting to top the bars. Cream cheese frosting is a delicious option!
Sprinkles: These are the finishing touch! Choose festive colors to make your bars pop and look extra special.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that’s sure to delight everyone.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. A well-greased pan ensures your bars come out easily and don’t stick. Trust me, no one wants a cookie disaster!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for best results. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key! The air you incorporate will help your bars rise beautifully, giving them that perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg acts as a binder, while the extracts add a lovely depth of flavor. You’ll want to make sure it’s all blended smoothly—no one likes a surprise chunk of butter!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. An even mix means your bars will rise uniformly, giving you that perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix! You want to combine everything just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and chewy!

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This is the moment of truth!

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. This is important! If you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt and slide off. Once cooled, spread your favorite frosting evenly over the top. I love a thick layer of frosting—it’s like a sweet hug for each bar!

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Finally, it’s time to cut your bars into squares. A sharp knife works best for clean edges. For a festive touch, serve them on a colorful platter and sprinkle some extra festive sprinkles on top. These bars are perfect for sharing, so don’t be shy—bring them to your next holiday gathering!

Tips for Success

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean from the center.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
For even cutting, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Experiment with different frosting flavors for a unique twist!

Equipment Needed

Baking pan (9×13 inch) – A glass or metal pan works well.
Mixing bowls – Use a large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry.
Electric mixer – A hand mixer is perfect, but a whisk will do in a pinch.
Spatula – A rubber spatula helps spread the dough evenly.
Toothpick – Essential for checking doneness!

Variations

Chocolate Chip Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Festive Flavors: Swap out the almond extract for peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor.
Fruit-Infused: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity touch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside a festive fruit platter for a colorful contrast.
For a holiday gathering, display them on a decorative platter with twinkling lights.
Offer a variety of frosting options for guests to choose from.
Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch!

FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Can I make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them right before serving for the best taste and texture.

What type of frosting works best for these bars?

I love using cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, but classic buttercream is also a favorite. Feel free to get creative with flavors like peppermint or chocolate!

Can I freeze the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! The edges should be lightly golden, too.

Can I customize the sprinkles for different holidays?

Definitely! Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or even themed sprinkles for birthdays. The options are endless, and it’s a fun way to celebrate any occasion!

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, I can’t help but smile at the joy they bring. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a way to create memories with loved ones during the holiday season. The aroma of freshly baked bars fills the house, inviting everyone to gather around. Each bite is a reminder of the warmth and love that comes with sharing food. So, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these bars are sure to spread cheer and sweetness. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with joy!