If you’re searching for a festive, foolproof dessert that brings holiday cheer to any gathering, look no further than Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. This crowd-pleasing treat blends the soft, buttery richness of classic sugar cookies with a layer of creamy vanilla frosting, all covered in colorful holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re new to baking or a longtime pro, you’ll love how these bars pack all the magic of Christmas into every cheerful bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, making your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars irresistibly soft, flavorful, and fun to decorate. It’s a classic lineup with a merry twist—the sprinkles add sparkle, while the almond and vanilla extracts offer nostalgic flavor and aroma.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender base and helps the bars hold their shape.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the iconic soft texture.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moistness.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Almond extract (optional): Brings a lovely holiday aroma and a subtle, nutty depth—use it if you can!
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bars structure while keeping them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Baking powder: Lends a gentle lift for a cake-like, soft bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles: Add that essential festive color and a fun crunch, inside and on top.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream or milk: Loosens the frosting, making it silky and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Ensures the frosting is just as flavorful as the cookie base.
- Red or green food coloring (optional): Gives your bars their festive edge—perfect for Christmas gatherings.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, and lightly grease it. This ensures your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars release perfectly with clean edges, ready for slicing and serving.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step is key for getting that deliciously tender sugar cookie texture everyone loves—take your time and make sure the mixture is well-aerated.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is smooth and fully combined. The extracts fill your kitchen with holiday aromas while the egg gives structure and richness to the batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mix to your creamed mixture, stirring until everything just comes together—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles. Not only do they add color, but they also bring a bit of crunchy excitement to your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Be gentle to avoid smearing the colors into the dough.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top as best you can. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You want the center to be set but still soft for that signature cookie bar texture.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool entirely in the pan. This patience pays off with perfectly frostable bars that won’t melt your frosting or crumble when you slice them up.
Step 8: Make Your Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream or milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Add a few drops of red or green food coloring if you want extra holiday flair!
Step 9: Frost, Decorate, and Slice
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Scatter an extra handful of sprinkles on top and press them in gently for maximum festive effect. Cut into squares (or rectangles—no judgement here) and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are practically a party on their own, but garnishing with an extra layer of holiday sprinkles or a drizzle of colored white chocolate takes them to the next level. Try a dusting of edible glitter or a few peppermint crunch bits for a magical snowy effect.
Side Dishes
These sweet and buttery bars pair beautifully with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a frothy eggnog latte. If you’re serving them as dessert, offer with bowls of fresh berries, or set them alongside other Christmas favorites like gingerbread men for a dazzling cookie platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars on a festive cake stand or wrap them up in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbon—perfect for gifting! For parties, cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or create a “cookie bar board” with small bowls of different colored sprinkles for guests to add their own toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars perfectly soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like them to last a little longer, slide the container into the fridge—just let bars come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze nicely, making them a great make-ahead treat! Arrange them in a single layer with parchment between the slices, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge or share.
Reheating
If you enjoy a gooier texture, pop a bar in the microwave for five to ten seconds to soften slightly. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt—just a little warmth is all you need to revive that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Any festive sprinkle works well. Mini nonpareils, jimmies, or even shaped sugar decorations all look great and add a personal touch to your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The bars are just as soft and delicious—just be sure to check that your sprinkles are gluten-free too.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract adds a lovely holiday note, but the bars are still wonderfully flavorful with just vanilla. If you have nut allergies or don’t love almond, simply leave it out.
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just use a larger, rimmed baking sheet and keep an eye on baking time. The bars should still be lightly golden around the edges and set in the middle.
How can I prevent dry or overbaked bars?
Start checking the bars at 18 minutes. They’re ready when the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking is the most common reason for dry bars, so keep a close watch!
Final Thoughts
No matter how hectic the holiday season gets, it’s always worth taking a little time to bake a batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them—especially when you’ve made them yourself. I hope your kitchen is filled with sweet aromas and happy memories this year!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on traditional sugar cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Soft, chewy cookie bars topped with a creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles, plus more for topping
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease.
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in sprinkles.
- Bake: Press dough into pan, bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter, add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and food coloring. Spread over bars, top with sprinkles.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure bars are cooled before frosting.
- For vibrant colors, use gel food coloring.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
