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
Scale
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.
