Forget about rolling and cutting individual cookies! This Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe brings all the festive cheer for the season! These bars are soft and buttery and topped with frosting and holiday sprinkles. These are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, parties and more!
Ingredients
The ingredient list is very simple and easy for this recipe. You will need:
For the Bars:
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
For the Frosting:
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting, cutting and serving.
Substitutions
This recipe can be made for a variety of food allergies, intolerances and preferences.
- Gluten free: To make these easy gluten free sugar cookie bars, use gluten free flour in place of all purpose flour.
- Vegan: To make the recipe vegan, use dairy free butter and milk. Replace the eggs by using egg replacer.
- Dairy free: Use dairy free butter and milk.
Storing
Once the bars are cooled, you can freeze them for up to one month or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips
- Room temperature matters! Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Spread the love! Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the dough in the pan for consistent baking.
- Sprinkle with joy! Get creative with your sprinkles! Red and green for classic Christmas vibes, snowman shapes, or even crushed peppermint for a festive twist.
- Frosting fun! Feeling ambitious? Top your cooled bars with a simple vanilla frosting or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. I love a change up by making white chocolate buttercream frosting! You can also make sugar cookie bars with cream cheese frosting too.
FAQ
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or mini chocolate chips make wonderful alternatives.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and create slightly denser bars, but it's not essential.
You can! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serve these bars alongside a glass of milk for a classic Christmas cookie experience, pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or add them to your holiday dessert platter for a colorful and festive touch.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 8x8 inch pan
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- ½ cup butter softened (can use dairy free alternative)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar we used coconut sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour whole wheat flour or gluten free flour blend
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- For the Frosting:
- ¾ cup butter softened (can use dairy free alternative)
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream milk or non dairy milk alternative
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash of salt
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin to make the sugar cookie bars. Cream the butter and sugar, mixing on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until butter and sugar are light and fluffy. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir until combined.
- Press the dough into the pan evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in pan before frosting.
- To make the frosting, combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, stirring on medium speed until smooth. Top the bars and sprinkle with additional sprinkles. Cut into squares and serve.
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