The Jolliest Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Ever

Sweet and buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars bring joy to every holiday gathering, melting hearts with their delightful flavor.

These festive treats promise a simple yet magical dessert that everyone will adore.

Soft, chewy, and beautifully decorated, the bars capture the essence of seasonal cheer.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic blend of classic sugar cookie goodness with a modern twist.

Colorful sprinkles and a delicate frosting transform these bars into a delectable centerpiece for your holiday spread.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families and last-minute celebrations.

Bake these irresistible bars and watch smiles light up around the table.

What Makes These Cookie Bars Feel Like Christmas

• This recipe brings holiday magic to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Sugar cookie bars eliminate the need for rolling, cutting, and individual cookie shaping, making baking a breeze for all skill levels.
• Perfect for involving kids in holiday baking, these bars offer a fun, mess-free activity that everyone can enjoy together without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable for multiple occasions like Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings, these bars provide a crowd-pleasing sweet treat that looks impressive but requires minimal skill.

Ingredients Needed For Sugar Cookie Bars

• Butter: A rich and creamy foundation that provides moisture and flavor to the cookie bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth and caramel-like sweetness to the bars.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a soft, tender texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie bars.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra tenderness and helps prevent a tough cookie texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Provides warm, festive aroma and complex flavor to the bars.
• Softened Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy frosting consistency.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Decorative topping that adds festive color and fun to the cookie bars.

How To Bake Festive Cookie Bars With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Cover an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for simple bar removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Combine softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.

Blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, airy texture that looks light and voluminous.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Stir until ingredients blend harmoniously, releasing a delightful holiday aroma.

Step 4: Develop Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Blend until ingredients just combine.

The dough should feel thick and substantial.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Spread dough evenly across the prepared pan.

Use a spoon or floured hands to press into corners.

Bake for 15 minutes.

The center might appear slightly soft, which is perfect – it will set while cooling.

Step 6: Whip Festive Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Spread frosting over completely cooled cookie base.

Shower with holiday sprinkles.

Slice into delectable bars.

For firmer frosting, chill bars 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Quick Tips For Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars

• Mix cookie dough ingredients just until combined to keep bars tender and soft, avoiding overmixing which can develop gluten and create dense, chewy results.
• Swap vanilla extract with different flavors like peppermint or orange extract to create unique holiday variations that match your festive mood.
• Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread frosting evenly, creating smooth, professional-looking cookie bars with clean edges.
• Choose holiday-themed sprinkles in coordinating colors for a festive look, or use metallic edible glitter for an elegant, sophisticated touch.
• Keep cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their perfect texture and prevent sticking.

How To Store And Serve Cookie Bars Fresh

• Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap unbaked or baked cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Place frosted bars on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper. Consume within 2 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking to prevent overheating.

What Pairs Well With Sugar Cookie Bars

• Pair Festive Sugar Cookie Bars with Merry Companions
• Cozy Christmas Coffee Pairing: Brew a warm, spiced vanilla latte that complements the sweet sugar cookie bars. The creamy coffee highlights the almond and vanilla notes, creating a delightful holiday flavor harmony.
• Create Sparkling Beverage Match: Pour chilled eggnog or white hot chocolate alongside these bars. The rich, smooth drink balances the sweet frosting and provides a classic Christmas taste experience.
• Select Complementary Dessert Companion: Serve with peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies. These traditional treats share similar festive flavor profiles, enhancing the overall holiday dessert spread and offering guests delightful variety.
• Toast with Festive Cocktail: Mix a creamy holiday martini featuring vanilla vodka and cinnamon. This elegant drink elevates the sugar cookie bars and adds sophisticated Christmas cheer to your dessert moment.

Sweet Ways To Change Up Cookie Bar Flavors

• Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring smooth texture and maintaining classic cookie taste.
• Vegan Christmas Treat: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and create dairy-free frosting with plant-based butter and alternative milk.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving festive flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Festive Bars: Eliminate almond extract, replacing it with additional vanilla extract or orange zest for complementary holiday aromatics.

FAQs

• What gives these sugar cookie bars their soft texture?

The combination of cornstarch and careful mixing prevents tough cookies. Cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while avoiding overmixing keeps the bars light and soft.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can! If using salted butter, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. The overall flavor will remain similar, but you might want to adjust to taste.

• How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a center that might seem slightly underbaked. The bars will continue to set as they cool, creating a perfect, soft texture. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Why do the recipe instructions recommend two different extracts?

Vanilla and almond extracts work together to create a more complex, festive flavor profile. The combination adds depth and a subtle holiday warmth that makes these sugar cookie bars extra special.