Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will brighten up your holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make. With their soft texture and thick layer of frosting, they capture all the charm of traditional sugar cookies without the fuss. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want a sweet pick-me-up after a busy day, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe special is how quickly it comes together. You’ll find yourself making these delicious bars again and again—not just for Christmas but year-round whenever you crave something sweet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, creamy frosting and festive sprinkles.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep these bars in advance and store them for a quick dessert option when guests arrive.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and rich cream cheese makes each bite a treat to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a breeze! They are simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• holiday sprinkles

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative with flavors and toppings. Here are some fun ideas to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
• Try different extracts: Swap out vanilla or almond extract for lemon or peppermint extract for a fun twist.
• Use colored frosting: Make the frosting festive by using food coloring to create cheerful hues that match your holiday decor.
• Top with fruit: Add fresh berries or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added flavor and crunch.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, which results in softer cookie bars. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time along with both extracts until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix here; we want those bars to stay tender!

Step 3: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. The middle might look slightly underbaked—that’s okay! They will continue cooking while cooling down.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, make your frosting by beating together softened butter and cream cheese with salt and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency—smooth but thick enough to spread easily.

Step 5: Frost & Decorate

Once your cookie bars have cooled completely (this is important so they don’t melt your frosting!), spread an even layer of frosting on top. Finish with a sprinkle of those holiday sprinkles for that festive touch!

With these easy steps, you’ll have a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ready to delight everyone at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Baking is a delightful experience, and with just a few tips, you can elevate your Christmas sugar cookie bars to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and a smooth batter, leading to a perfectly soft texture in your cookie bars.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing until just combined helps maintain the tenderness of the bars. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Chill the dough: If time allows, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors develop and can prevent spreading.

• Test for doneness: Keep an eye on your bars towards the end of baking; they should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Let them cool completely before frosting: This will prevent your frosting from melting into the bars and ensures a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These festive sugar cookie bars not only taste divine but also look stunning when presented well! Here are some ideas on how to make them shine at your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Holiday sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles adds a festive touch that’s always eye-catching.

• Edible glitter: For an extra dose of sparkle, consider using edible glitter to give your cookie bars a magical finish.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookie bars and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.

• Hot chocolate: Cozy up with warm cups of hot chocolate, perhaps topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, which pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats.

• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the bars. Include some dried fruits and nuts for added flavor and texture.

• Coffee or tea: Warm beverages like coffee or herbal tea create a comforting atmosphere, making them perfect companions for dessert time.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Christmas sugar cookie bars will surely be a hit this holiday season! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats without the fuss. You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Cut into squares and place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• For warm, gooey bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet.
• Warm in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Christmas sugar cookie bars.

Can I use different extracts in my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts provide a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with other extracts like peppermint or lemon to suit your taste.

How do I know when my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center will look set but soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean but may have a few crumbs attached, indicating they’re perfectly baked.

Can I decorate my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars differently?

Of course! Get creative with your decorations! You can use colored icing, different sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make your cookie bars festive and unique.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bring that nostalgic holiday spirit with every bite. Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with family and friends during this wonderful season. Happy baking!