Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that embodies the joy and color of the holiday season, look no further than this Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s everything you love about sugar cookies but in a convenient bar form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself. Soft, buttery, and subtly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, these cookie bars are topped with sparkling sugar and vibrant red and green sprinkles for that unmistakable Christmas cheer. They bake up beautifully in under an hour, making them a wonderfully simple yet impressive addition to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a tender, flavorful cookie bar with the perfect texture. Each ingredient plays its part in building the classic sugar cookie taste and festive look that everyone will adore.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base structure for the cookie bars.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps give a slight lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and moistness, ensuring the bars stay soft and buttery.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the classic sugar cookie taste.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, familiar aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle, festive twist that elevates the cookie.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Creates a delightful sugary crust on top for texture and shine.
• Red and green sprinkles (for decoration): Bring holiday colors and a festive, fun crunch.
• Optional: 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade): For an extra indulgent layer, perfect if you want to dress up your bars.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it generously with butter or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookie bars don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are the backbone that will give your cookie bars their structure and perfect crumb. Set this mixture aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. This process should take about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating a tender and airy texture in your bars.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until they are fully incorporated. These ingredients add depth of flavor and help bind the dough. The almond extract, especially, gives the cookie bars that distinct festive flair.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be mindful not to overmix here, as that could make the bars tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 6: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Getting it level will help the bars bake uniformly and prevent any thin or thick spots.

Step 7: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the dough. This not only adds a lovely sparkle but also gives a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb inside.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookie Bars

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to turn a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step is key to ensure they’re perfectly baked—soft but not underdone.

Step 9: Cool and Optional Frosting

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool right in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. If you want to add frosting, wait until the bars have cooled completely before spreading it on for a creamy finish.

Step 10: Decorate and Cut

Before cutting, sprinkle the cookie bars with festive red and green sprinkles for that signature Christmas look. Then slice into squares, and you’re ready to serve these charming holiday treats!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the festive appearance by adding a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness and elegance. Fresh cranberries or crushed peppermint candies can also make lovely garnishes that bring out seasonal flavors and colors.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookie bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, making an inviting cozy combo on chilly holiday evenings. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside whipped cream or a small bowl of mixed nuts for delightful texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider placing the cookie bars on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly leaves for a show-stopping holiday display. Alternatively, stack them with layers of wax paper in a decorative tin to give as a heartfelt homemade gift your friends and family will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This way, the bars maintain their soft and chewy texture without becoming dry or overly crumbly.

Freezing

These cookie bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making this recipe excellent for preparing in advance during the busy holiday season.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookie bars fresh from the freezer, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the buttery flavors.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to about a quarter teaspoon to prevent the bars from tasting too salty.

Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?

While optional, almond extract adds a lovely, subtle nuttiness that makes these Christmas sugar cookie bars stand out. You can omit it if unwanted, but it’s worth trying at least once!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid leaving them too long or they could dry out.

What frosting pairs best with these cookie bars?

A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works beautifully, adding creamy sweetness without overpowering the delicate cookie flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is a total holiday winner that brings together simple ingredients and joyful colors to create a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or gifting a batch to friends, these bars deliver on taste, texture, and festive spirit. I can’t wait for you to try them and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!

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