Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick sugar cookies baked in a single pan and topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. They’re an easy and fun alternative to classic cut-out cookies—perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and gift trays.
Ingredients
- For the cookie base:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or green food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Do not overbake.
- Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, until smooth and spreadable.
- Mix in vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.
- Spread frosting over cooled cookie bars. Top with holiday sprinkles.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
Add a teaspoon of peppermint, orange, or lemon extract to the dough or frosting for a flavor twist.Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy variation.Mix sprinkles directly into the dough for a funfetti-style bar.Chill bars before slicing for clean, sharp edges.Bars can be frozen frosted or unfrosted for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
