Christmas is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, cozy fires, and the unmistakable scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery Christmas sugar cookie bar, topped with vibrant frosting and festive sprinkles that make you feel like a kid again. Grinch sugar cookies festive candy cane cookies These bars aren’t just treats; they are edible hugs that warm the heart. chewy hot cocoa cookies. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
- How do I make these cookie bars more festive?
- Can I freeze leftover cookie bars?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now picture this: you’re surrounded by family and friends, laughter bouncing off the walls as everyone eagerly awaits your famous Christmas sugar cookie bars. This recipe is not just about satisfying sweet cravings; it’s about creating cherished memories around a plate of sugary goodness. caramel apple cheesecake bars Trust me, each bite bursts with nostalgia and holiday cheer!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making Christmas sugar cookie bars is a breeze, perfect for even the busiest home bakers
- The flavor is a delightful mix of buttery sweetness and festive spices
- They look gorgeous with colorful frosting and sprinkles, making them an eye-catching addition to any holiday dessert table
- Plus, you can easily customize the toppings to match your seasonal mood!
I still remember the first time I made these Christmas sugar cookie bars for my family. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and suddenly it felt like I had unlocked some ancient holiday magic. For more inspiration, check out this raspberry cheesecake bars recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Basic yet essential for structure; don’t sift unless you’re feeling fancy.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness while brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over flavors—trust me on this one!
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind everything together beautifully.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise perfectly without becoming cake-like.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth; save imitation vanilla for when you’re in a pinch.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and elevates flavors wonderfully.
- Frosting (Optional): Feel free to use store-bought or homemade frosting in any color you desire!
- Sprinkles (Optional): Because what’s a holiday dessert without a little sparkle?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout your bars.
Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In another bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and light in color—about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy at this stage.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it unless you want tough bars instead of tender ones.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top; let cool before slicing.
Enjoy these delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars fresh out of the oven or decorated with frosting and sprinkles for an added festive touch! Each piece feels like a sprinkle of joy during this wonderful season!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a chewy texture and festive flavor
- They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to make ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, prepare your dough first, then spread it evenly in the pan. Bake until golden edges form while the center remains soft.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra flair. You can also substitute vanilla with almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, briefly reheat in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough and better blending of ingredients
- Avoid overbaking; the bars should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven
- Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges
Baking these sugar cookie bars always reminds me of the holiday cookie exchange I once hosted; my friends couldn’t get enough of them!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes, gluten-free flour works well for these cookie bars without compromising taste.
How do I make these cookie bars more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.
Can I freeze leftover cookie bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat. These soft, buttery bars are topped with vibrant frosting and festive sprinkles, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Easy to make, they bring together family and friends around a plate of nostalgic sweetness, creating joyful memories that last long after the last bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- Frosting and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture without over-mixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
