If you’re ready to bring some extra joy to your holiday baking, this Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Frosting Recipe is the perfect treat to share with family and friends. These cookie bars combine the buttery, soft sweetness of classic sugar cookies with a creamy, colorful frosting that feels like a party in every bite. Easy to slice, decorate, and serve, these bars capture the spirit of Christmas in every festive, delicious square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in nailing the perfect texture and flavor. Fortunately, this recipe uses simple staples that you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that guarantees softness to the bright sprinkles that bring the holiday cheer to life.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures the dough and frosting become luxuriously creamy without excess salt interfering with the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and helps create that perfect slightly crisp edge on the cookie bars.
- Egg and egg yolk: Add richness and help bind the dough together while keeping it tender.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, inviting aroma and flavor that screams holiday baking.
- Almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty hint that gives your bars a delightful depth if you choose to add it.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie bar structure, providing that tender crumb we all crave.
- Baking powder and salt: These balance the dough’s rise and flavor, making sure the texture is just right.
- Powdered sugar: Key for a smooth, velvety frosting that spreads easily and tastes sweet but light.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adds the perfect consistency to the frosting, making it creamy without being runny.
- Food coloring: Bring your frosting to life with festive reds and greens, or any holiday colors you love.
- Holiday sprinkles: The cherry on top that makes these bars truly festive and fun to look at.
How to Make Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This little prep step ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and come out easily when slicing.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re light and fluffy. This is a crucial step because achieving that airy texture guarantees soft, tender cookie bars that melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, mix in one whole egg plus one egg yolk, along with the vanilla extract and optional almond extract. These enrich the dough with moisture and a fragrant boost, making your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring just until the dough forms. Overmixing here can make the bars tough, so gently combine to keep them soft.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan for a uniform thickness. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely, which is key for the frosting to set properly.
Step 6: Prepare the Holiday Frosting
Cream the softened butter until smooth, then gradually beat in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and milk or cream, adjusting to get that perfect spreadable texture. Divide and tint with your chosen food coloring to capture that holiday spirit.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the colorful frosting across the cooled cookie bars with a spatula. While it’s still soft, sprinkle generously with holiday-themed sprinkles for that festive touch. Once decorated, chill or serve at room temperature as desired.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic holiday sprinkles, consider adding crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips to elevate appearance and texture. These simple additions can wow guests and satisfy those craving a little extra holiday magic.
Side Dishes
The soft, sweet richness of these cookie bars pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, creamy eggnog, or a spiced tea. These warm beverages complement the bars and make for the ultimate cozy holiday snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your festive cookie bars on a decorative holiday platter, tied with a festive ribbon as giftable treats, or stacked alongside Christmas cookies for a stunning dessert spread. Small garnishes like fresh mint or cranberries can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will keep the frosting intact without drying out the bars.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars either frosted or unfrosted—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
If you like your sugar cookie bars slightly warm, microwave a single serving for 10-15 seconds before enjoying. This warm-up softens the frosting a bit and makes every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract instead of almond?
Absolutely! Vanilla is the classic choice, but you can experiment with lemon, peppermint, or even coconut extract for unique holiday twists. Just remember to use extracts sparingly to keep the flavor balanced.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
No worries! The bars still taste wonderful without colored frosting. You can top them with plain white frosting and use natural garnishes like nuts, coconut flakes, or dried cranberries for festive flair.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can keep the same great texture. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified too, especially the sprinkles.
How thick should I press the dough into the pan?
About half an inch to three-quarters of an inch thickness works best. This ensures the bars bake evenly and stay tender but sturdy enough to cut without crumbling.
Why do the edges bake faster?
The edges of your pan conduct heat more directly, causing them to cook more quickly and turn golden brown. Keeping a close eye on baking time will help you remove the bars before they become too crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of sharing a homemade treat during the holidays, and this Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Frosting Recipe is bound to become a cherished tradition. Its easy steps and bright, cheerful results make it a go-to favorite for bakers of all levels. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and get ready to create some sweet magic!
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Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Holiday Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these Festive and Fun Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Featuring a buttery, soft sugar cookie base topped with colorful, creamy frosting and decorated with vibrant holiday sprinkles, these bars are easy to make and delightfully festive. They serve as a great treat for parties or cozy family gatherings during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bar Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or your choice)
- Holiday sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cookie bars don’t stick and come out cleanly after baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Add the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing well. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the Cookie Bars: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to reach desired spreading consistency. Add your choice of food coloring and blend until the color is even and vibrant.
- Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the frosted cookie sheet into 18 to 24 bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful holiday treat.
Notes
- Make sure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract if preferred.
- Use any food coloring colors to create a festive look tailored to your holiday theme.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For dairy-free frosting, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
