Name: The Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Christmas sprinkles

Sweet and buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars bring joy to every festive gathering with their irresistible charm.

Loaded with festive cheer, these delectable treats melt in your mouth like pure holiday magic.

the soft, pillowy texture creates a delightful canvas for colorful sprinkles and classic sugar cookie flavor.

Families adore these simple yet elegant dessert bars that come together in minutes.

Baking these bars fills your kitchen with warm, nostalgic aromas that instantly spark holiday memories.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and comfort.

Deck your dessert table with these crowd-pleasing bars and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: The rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and deep flavor to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that create a soft, moist cookie with caramel undertones.

Wet Ingredients:

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancers that provide depth and complexity to the dessert.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light and tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Frosting Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Butter, Vanilla Extract: Classic frosting components that create a smooth, sweet topping.
Sprinkles: Colorful decorative element that adds festive cheer to the Christmas sugar cookie bars.

Baking Pan (8×8 inch): Essential for perfect bar shape and even baking.
Electric Mixer: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
Spatula: Helps scrape batter and spread evenly in pan.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and frosting.
Cooling Rack: Allows bars to cool without getting soggy.
Offset Spatula: Great for spreading frosting evenly.
Sprinkle Shaker: Helps decorate bars with festive touch.

Step 1: Preparing the Baking Setup

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Spray lightly with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

Set your oven rack to the center position and preheat to 350°F.

Step 2: Creaming the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars.

Use an electric mixer to blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 3: Adding Moisture and Flavor

Introduce eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.

Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter looks consistent and silky.

Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 5: Baking the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly firm center.

A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Creating Festive Frosting

Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Beat until the frosting becomes light and spreadable.

Step 7: Decorating and Finishing

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.

Spread frosting evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle with holiday-themed or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Cut into squares and serve.

Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistent texture and sweetness in your bars.
Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to create smooth, creamy consistency.
Allow bars to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain crisp decoration edges.
Add festive sprinkles immediately after frosting while still slightly wet for best adherence.
Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.

Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and festive flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Christmas Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular eggs, and create plant-based frosting using vegan cream cheese.
Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious holiday taste.
Dairy-Free Festive Bars: Use dairy-free margarine, almond milk cream cheese for frosting, keeping traditional cookie bar experience accessible for lactose-intolerant friends.

Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookie bars on a festive red serving tray with small seasonal decorations around the edges for a stunning presentation.
Gifting Delight: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with holiday-themed ribbons, creating perfect homemade gift packages for neighbors and friends.
Hot Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside warm hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or classic eggnog to enhance the Christmas cookie experience with complementary flavors.
Dessert Buffet Style: Create a beautiful cookie bar display with different heights using cake stands or tiered platters, mixing these sugar cookie bars with other holiday treats.

Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
Wrap unfrosted bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
Keep unfrosted bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Warm refrigerated bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Are these sugar cookie bars kid-friendly?

Yes! These bars are perfect for children to help make and decorate. Kids can easily add sprinkles and help mix ingredients, making it a fun family baking activity.

Can I make these bars without using extracts?

Absolutely! You can skip vanilla or almond extract, but they add wonderful flavor depth. If you don’t have extracts, the bars will still taste delicious with just the basic ingredients.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly golden color. The center might seem slightly soft, but it will firm up as the bars cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.

Perfect festive dessert that brings instant joy to family gatherings and celebrations.
Simple one-bowl recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all levels.
Versatile bars allow creative decorating with different sprinkles, frostings, and seasonal themes for personalized touch.
Fast preparation and baking process means you can satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.

Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.