Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: A Festive Holiday Delight

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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. These deliciously soft and sweet bars are topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, making them a delightful treat for family gatherings and festive occasions. They combine the classic flavors of a sugar cookie with a simple bar format, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without the hassle of traditional cookie baking.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

There are many reasons to love these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these easy sugar cookie bars for Christmas that are sure to impress. Additionally, the bars are soft and chewy, offering a delightful texture that everyone will enjoy. They are also customizable, so you can experiment with different frostings and toppings, including options for gluten-free Christmas sugar cookie bars or vegan Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe. Finally, they are perfect for sharing at holiday parties, making them one of the best sugar cookie bars for holidays.

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons sour cream
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2-3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk (for frosting)
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (for frosting)
Sprinkles for decoration, if desired

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges to easily lift the cookie bars out later.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
Step 10: In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth.
Step 11: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional but will make the frosting smoother and easier to mix.
Step 12: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream.
Step 13: Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
Step 14: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
Step 15: Immediately add sprinkles on top, if desired.
Step 16: Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
Step 17: Store the bars in an airtight container in a single layer.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
These cookie bars can be frozen for up to three months.
For a variation, try adding peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
Decorate with festive toppings like crushed candy canes or colored sugar for a creative touch.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars can be served in various ways. They are perfect as a sweet treat at holiday parties or as a dessert option during family gatherings. You can pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or serve them alongside other festive desserts, like festive sugar cookie squares or traditional sugar cookie bars for the holidays. For an extra touch, consider adding a scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers, they can also be refrigerated. For meal prep, consider freezing the bars; they can be kept for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This ensures a fluffy texture, making these chewy Christmas sugar cookie bars a hit at any gathering.

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for your holiday events.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, and be careful not to overbake the bars. Keeping an eye on them during baking will help achieve the perfect soft and chewy holiday sugar bars.

Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Try

Feel free to customize your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with various flavors and textures. Try adding chocolate chips for a rich twist or substituting some of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. You can also create no-bake Christmas sugar cookie bars by using cold ingredients and chilling them before serving.

For more festive recipes, check out Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies or Baked Garlic Chicken Meatloaf. If you’re looking for a delicious twist on traditional flavors, try Irresistible Thai Red Curry Kabobs for a unique holiday dish.