Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with festive colorful frosting and sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, chewy, and easy to slice, these bars capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or your favorite festive colors)
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Prepare the cookie dough wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Press dough into the pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly to form a flat, uniform layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to ensure frosting does not melt.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk, along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
- Color the frosting: If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each to create festive holiday colors.
- Frost the cookie bars: Spread the colored frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula or knife. Decorate with festive sprinkles for a cheerful holiday touch.
- Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature before slicing the bars into squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting consistency.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of almond extract to the frosting.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Consider chilling the dough if it feels too soft for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
