As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a festive bakery filled with warmth and love. One particular treat that makes its way into our home each year is Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. The delightful aroma of buttery vanilla wafting from the oven is enough to entice anyone, and the vibrant colors of holiday sprinkles are just the icing on the cake—literally!
I discovered this recipe on one of those cozy winter afternoons when I needed a quick fix to satisfy my sweet tooth without the fuss of rolling and cutting cookies. With just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together easily, making them perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in with loved ones.
The best part? You can whip up a batch of these bars in just 35 minutes from start to finish, leaving plenty of time for enjoying warm, gooey treats with family or wrapping up cherished gifts. So, if you’re ready to level up your holiday baking, let’s dive into this mouthwatering, festive recipe that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser!
Why choose Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Joyful baking experience: This festive treat transforms any ordinary day into a celebration, filling your home with delightful scents and cheerful colors.
Quick preparation: You’ll spend only 20 minutes prepping this recipe, so you can focus more on enjoying the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Versatile treat: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simple family gatherings, these bars are a guaranteed hit with all ages.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite holiday chips or sprinkles to make them uniquely yours, adding that personal touch to your baking.
Deliciously satisfying: With a soft, chewy texture and a luscious frosting, every bite is pure bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Ingredients
For the Bars
- Butter (softened) – adds a rich, creamy texture to the bars.
- Sugar – sweetens the bars, making them irresistibly delicious.
- Eggs – help bind the ingredients together for a perfect chewy consistency.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the sweet flavor, creating a warm, festive aroma.
- All-purpose flour – the base of the bars, providing structure; be sure to sift for a lighter texture.
- Baking soda – gives the bars a little lift, ensuring they bake up soft and puffy.
- Salt – balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles or chips – add a festive touch and a pop of color; choose your favorites for a personal twist.
For the Frosting
- Butter (softened) – creates a smooth and creamy frosting that spreads easily.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it that delightful fluffiness.
- Milk – adjusts the consistency of the frosting; add more for a thinner spreadability.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting) – adds depth of flavor to the sweet frosting.
- Holiday sprinkles or chips (for topping) – use to decorate your bars and bring extra cheer to your presentation.
Whip up these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars and spread joy this holiday season!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
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Prepare your pan: Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy bar removal later. This ensures a perfect, non-stick finish!
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Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the cookie bars. A properly preheated oven helps them rise beautifully!
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Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a delightful texture.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract into the bowl. Beat until well combined, making sure everything is mixed and luscious.
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Combine dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms. It should be thick and slightly sticky but still easy to handle.
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Spread the dough: Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Ensure that it reaches all corners for uniform baking.
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Bake to perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should puff slightly but remain soft.
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Cool in the pan: Once done, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting them. This step helps the bars set properly, enhancing flavor and texture.
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Make the frosting: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
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Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, whipping again until combined. It will be thick, so be patient!
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Adjust consistency: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. It should spread easily on the bars.
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Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars are cool, spread the buttercream frosting all over the top using a spatula or a knife. Feel free to be generous with it!
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Decorate: Sprinkle your favorite holiday sprinkles or holiday chips on top of the frosted bars. This adds a fun, colorful touch that everyone will love.
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Slice and serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve to your friends and family. Enjoy the delightful smiles as they take their first bites!
Optional: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
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Use room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming, which ensures a light texture in your bars.
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Watch the baking time: Start checking your cookie bars at 12 minutes to prevent over-baking; they should be golden brown and slightly puffy.
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Cool completely before frosting: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan to avoid melting your frosting, which helps maintain that gorgeous presentation!
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Frost with care: Use a spatula to gently spread frosting over the cooled bars for an even layer without pulling up any of the bars.
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Hide some for later: These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store for a sweet treat anytime.
What to Serve with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
As the aroma of freshly baked cookie bars fills your home, consider these delightful pairings to create a memorable holiday feast.
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Hot Cocoa: This rich and creamy drink adds warmth and nostalgia, making it the perfect companion to your festive treat. The chocolatey flavor complements the vanilla sweetness beautifully!
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch; it’s an excellent way to elevate the indulgence of each sugary bite.
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Peppermint Bark: The crunchy, minty bursts of peppermint bark bring a lovely contrast to the soft texture of cookie bars, creating a delightful holiday experience.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and balance, cutting through the sweetness of the cookie bars while providing a vibrant, healthy touch to your festive table.
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Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink is synonymous with the holidays and pairs perfectly with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for a nostalgic celebration.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookie bars creates a deliciously delightful dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Add a touch of holiday magic to your gatherings with these delightful pairings, and watch as your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars shine even brighter on your festive table!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and then covering it tightly in the refrigerator. For the frosting, feel free to make it up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and fluffy. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before spreading it in the pan and baking. After baking and cooling, frost the bars and top with holiday sprinkles right before serving to ensure they look festive and inviting. Enjoy the holiday magic with less stress and more time for fun!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, store the bars in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warm. This melts the frosting a bit, making each bite heavenly!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a toasty crunch in every bite.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, decadent addition that will have chocolate enthusiasts buzzing with delight.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the dough for a bright, refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
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Spiced Variation: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that evokes the spirit of the holidays.
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter for dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or plant-based butter to create a tasty treat suitable for dairy-sensitive friends.
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Crunchy Topping: Instead of holiday sprinkles, top with crushed candy canes or toasted coconut for a unique, crunchy finish that adds a festive flair.
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Layered Bars: For an extra layer of flavor, spread a layer of fruit preserves or peanut butter under the frosting before icing the bars—it’s a delightful surprise in each slice!
Get ready to tantalize taste buds while making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars uniquely yours!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature. This ensures that it blends easily with your sugar and creates a light, fluffy texture in your cookie bars. I often stick to good quality brands known for their creamy richness.
What is the best way to store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Very simple! Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator where they’ll last up to 7 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to revive their delightful taste!
Can I freeze my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked warmth.
What should I do if my cookie bars are too dry?
If you find your bars are a bit on the dry side, next time, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Over-baking is usually the culprit! Start checking around the 12-minute mark. Also, try incorporating an extra tablespoon of milk into the dough to keep them moist.
Can I use alternatives if someone has allergies?
Absolutely! If you’re catering to allergies, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg). For gluten-free options, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well too! Always make sure to check any additional ingredients like sprinkles or toppings for allergens too.
What if I can’t find holiday sprinkles?
No problem at all! If you can’t find holiday sprinkles, you can easily use chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. This gives you the freedom to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars while still adding that festive touch. The more the merrier!
Holiday Magic: Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden brown and center puffs slightly.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Whip the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until combined.
- Add milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle holiday sprinkles or chips on top to decorate.
- Slice the bars into squares and serve.