Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that can make your holiday gatherings unforgettable. These deliciously soft and chewy bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joy to decorate with colorful sprinkles. The delightful combination of flavors creates a wonderfully nostalgic experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for gifting or sharing, let’s dive into how to create these irresistible bars that embody the spirit of the season!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas cookie bars are loved for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy holiday schedules. Second, the soft sugar cookie bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Third, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Moreover, they are customizable, allowing you to create your own festive cookie bar recipe by adding your favorite toppings or flavors. Lastly, they make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert table and are sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Gather these items:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch in the mixture, stirring just until the flour is barely incorporated. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Whip the softened butter and powdered sugar in a clean bowl until smooth. Add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping until your frosting is light and fluffy.
- Step 5: Frost your cooled cookie bars with the creamy frosting, then top with colorful Christmas sprinkles and serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
- For an added touch, consider drizzling chocolate over the top for a festive flair.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; this keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These holiday sugar cookie squares can be served as is, but you can elevate your presentation by slicing them into festive shapes or pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee, making them an ideal addition to your holiday dessert spread.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To keep your easy Christmas cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their soft texture. These bars also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
The secret lies in not overmixing the batter, which helps maintain the soft sugar cookie bars texture, and ensuring proper baking time.
Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and bake them the next day. They also freeze well, making them a great make-ahead treat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
To avoid common pitfalls, measure your ingredients accurately and ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best results.
Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Try
There are many delicious variations to explore! You can add chocolate chips for a chewy sugar cookie bars experience, sprinkle in some peppermint for a holiday twist, or use different extracts like lemon for a unique flavor. Experiment with different toppings or fillings to create your own festive cookie bar recipe.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other festive dishes, you might enjoy Peruvian Chicken and Rice or Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry. For tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking for ingredient substitutions.
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Irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Must Try
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookie bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly soft Christmas sugar cookie bars with delightful flavors for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch in the mixture, stirring just until the flour is barely incorporated. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Whip the softened butter and powdered sugar in a clean bowl until smooth. Add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping until your frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost your cooled cookie bars with the creamy frosting, then top with colorful Christmas sprinkles and serve.
Notes
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
