Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 2-3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk (for frosting); 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for frosting); Sprinkles for decoration, if desired

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Introduction to Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Ah, the holiday season! It’s a joyful yet hectic time, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that busy moms like us need quick and delightful treats to keep our spirits high. That’s where Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come in. These soft, sweet bars are not just easy to make, but they also help spread festive cheer at any gathering. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they bite into a slice of pure holiday magic! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing—or hiding away for your own guilty pleasure!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a breeze to whip up, making them the perfect solution for your busy holiday schedule. They bake quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. And let’s not forget their taste—each bite is a delicious blend of buttery sweetness, beautifully complemented by creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Your family will be begging for seconds, and trust me, their smiles are totally worth it!

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

All-purpose flour: The base of our cookie bars, giving them structure. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking powder: This helps the bars rise, making them soft and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
Unsalted butter: It gives a rich, buttery taste. Always use room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
Sour cream: It adds moisture and a slight tang—the secret to soft cookie bars!
Eggs: These act as a binder, providing richness and helping the bars set.
Vanilla extract: A must-have flavor booster that brings warmth to your cookies.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting, it creates that dreamy sweetness. You can use less for a less sweet frosting.
Heavy cream or milk: This helps to thin the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
Clear vanilla extract: Keeps your frosting bright white. It’s a little trick to make it look festive!
Sprinkles: Totally optional, but they add that fun holiday flair. Choose your favorite colors!

For exact measurements, you can check the bottom of the article, where everything is available for printing. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to dive into a delightful baking adventure!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is an exciting journey filled with wonderful smells and delightful flavors. Follow these straightforward steps, and soon you’ll be pulling a tray of festive goodness from your oven!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F.

While it warms up, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave a little bit hanging over the edges, making it easy to lift the bars out later. This simple trick saves you from a mess and helps keep your bars intact!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Whisk these dry ingredients well, as they will work together to give your bars that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and granulated sugar.

Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it incorporates air and helps make your bars soft and tender. I often think of this as the “magic” step.

Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the sour cream, large eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Each of these ingredients adds something special. The sour cream keeps things moist, and the vanilla brings warmth—a perfect touch for the festive season!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your butter and sugar concoction.

Beat just until everything is fully incorporated. This is where the dough comes together! Don’t overmix; you want these bars to be soft and tender.

Step 6: Press and Bake

Now it’s time to press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Make sure it’s smooth across the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the edges just start to brown. Your kitchen will start smelling like a dream!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely. This takes about 1.5 hours.

It’s important to wait before frosting them; otherwise, your frosting could melt away!

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

While you’re waiting, let’s make that creamy frosting! In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s fluffy.

Then, gradually mix in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, adjusting as needed until you reach your desired consistency. Add the clear vanilla extract and mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Here’s where you can get creative! If you want to make them festive, add sprinkles right away so they stick.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Finally, allow the frosting to set for a while. Then cut the bars into squares and store them in an airtight container.

Just like that, you’ve created lovely Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that are perfect for sharing—or for savoring all by yourself!

Tips for Success

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing.
Don’t overmix the dough; gentle folding keeps the bars soft and tender.
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Use a bench scraper to cut the bars neatly for a professional look.
Feel free to experiment with different sprinkles or edible glitter for added fun!

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch pan: If you don’t have this, an 8×8 or 11×7 pan works too.
Parchment paper: Try silicone baking mats as an alternative for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowls: Use any large bowls you have on hand—size doesn’t mean everything!
Mixer: A hand mixer is great, but a whisk builds muscle if you’re feeling adventurous!

Variations on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
Nutty Flavor: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten the flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a friendly version!
Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and flax eggs instead of regular butter and eggs for a tasty plant-based treat.
Seasonal Spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your bars a warm, cozy flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Pair these festive bars with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.
Serve them on a decorative platter with colorful holiday napkins for a cheerful presentation.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert twist.
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch!

FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

As I whip up these festive delights, I often receive questions from fellow home bakers! Here are some commonly asked questions about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that I hope will help you, too.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool. The flavors blend beautifully overnight, making them even more delightful!

What can I do if my frosting is too thick?

If your frosting ends up too thick, simply add a splash of heavy cream or milk. This will help achieve that perfect spreading consistency you’re looking for!

How long will these cookie bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars can last up to a week. Though let’s be honest—their tasty charm rarely lasts that long in our house!

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about three months. For an instant treat, just thaw and frost!

What is the best way to cut these bars?

To cut your cookie bars neatly, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges—that professional touch really makes a difference!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fills your kitchen with warmth, laughter, and delightful smells that truly capture the spirit of the season. Each soft, sweet bite is a little celebration, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during cozy nights in. Plus, whipping them up is a fun activity that can involve the whole family. So gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and create your own festive memories. With a tray of these bars, you’ll certainly bring smiles not just to your family’s faces, but also to your heart!