Description
Festive Christmas sugar cookie bars merge holiday cheer with sweet nostalgia. Buttery, rich bars sparkle with festive sprinkles and creamy frosting, inviting you to savor seasonal warmth and joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting and Decoration:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and heating the oven to 350°F for optimal baking conditions.
- Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter with sugars until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Introduce egg and aromatic extracts to the butter mixture, incorporating them completely to develop a rich flavor profile.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender texture and prevent overmixing.
- Transfer the prepared dough to the lined pan, spreading evenly and ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, watching for golden edges and a set center as indicators of doneness.
- Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack, creating a stable surface for frosting application.
- Whip frosting ingredients until achieving a light, fluffy consistency that spreads smoothly and holds its shape.
- Once bars are entirely cooled, generously apply the prepared frosting using an offset spatula for even coverage.
- Embellish the frosted surface with festive sprinkles, adding a touch of holiday cheer and visual appeal to the dessert.
Notes
- Softening butter beforehand ensures smoother, more even mixing for perfectly creamy cookie bars.
- Avoid overmixing dry ingredients to maintain a tender, delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customize frosting colors and sprinkles to match holiday themes or personal preferences for festive fun.
- Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting and achieve clean, crisp decorative edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg