Easy Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s something about the holidays that makes baking feel magical. Maybe it’s the cozy hum of the oven or the sugary aroma filling the house that sparks the nostalgia. These festive Christmas sugar cookie bars are my latest holiday obsession. They’re simple, colorful, and brimming with that classic sugar cookie flavor—but with half the effort of rolling, cutting, and decorating traditional sugar cookies. Trust me, these bars are everything you love about holiday baking, packed into one buttery, frosted bite.

I still remember the first time I made these bars. I was hosting a small Christmas party and wanted a dessert that was quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Between juggling a roast in the oven and simmering mulled wine on the stove, these sugar cookie bars came to the rescue. The best part? My guests thought I spent hours making them, thanks to their soft, chewy texture and the festive sprinkle topping. If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that looks impressive but doesn’t leave you stressed in the kitchen, this recipe is your answer.

this RECIPE

Where sugar cookies meet modern convenience

Sugar cookies have been a holiday staple for centuries. Originating in the 1700s from Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, they were often cut into festive shapes and adorned with simple decorations like colored sugar or icing. While traditional sugar cookies have a special place in our hearts, sugar cookie bars are the modern twist we didn’t know we needed. They’re easier to prepare, no chilling or rolling required, and you still get that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Plus, the thicker bar format makes them irresistibly soft and chewy. It’s like a sugar cookie upgrade!

Let’s talk ingredients: making every bite count

The beauty of these sugar cookie bars lies in their simplicity, but every ingredient plays a key role. Here’s the lowdown:

• Butter: The foundation of these bars. Use unsalted butter for more control over saltiness or salted if that’s what you have (just adjust the added salt in the recipe). For a rich, creamy flavor, choose high-quality butter.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: This duo creates the perfect sweetness and texture. The brown sugar adds just a hint of molasses flavor and moisture, which keeps the bars soft.
• Egg: One large egg binds everything together and adds structure.
• Almond and vanilla extracts: Vanilla is a classic flavor for sugar cookies, while the almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness that makes these bars taste extra festive. Don’t skip it—it’s a game changer!
• All-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt: These dry ingredients combine to give the bars their structure and softness. Cornstarch, in particular, makes the texture velvety and tender.
• Powdered sugar, heavy cream, and butter (for frosting): This trio creates a light, fluffy frosting that perfectly complements the dense cookie base.
• Christmas sprinkles: These are the final touch! Choose sprinkles that match your holiday theme, and don’t be afraid to go overboard—‘tis the season, after all.

What tools you’ll need (and creative swaps)

For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll want:

• 8×8 baking pan: The perfect size for thick, chewy bars. If you don’t have an 8×8 pan, you can use a 9×9 pan, but the bars will be slightly thinner, and you may need to adjust the bake time.
• Hand or stand mixer: To cream the butter and sugars for the cookie layer and whip the frosting into fluffy perfection. A sturdy whisk works too, though it requires more elbow grease!
• Parchment paper or foil: This makes lifting the bars out of the pan a breeze (and saves you from scrubbing the pan later).
• Spatula: For spreading the batter evenly and swirling on the frosting.

Step-by-step: whipping up these Christmas bars

Let’s bake these bars together—grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep the pan and preheat the oven

Start by lining your 8×8 pan with parchment paper or foil. Leave a little overhang for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F, so it’s nice and hot when your batter’s ready.

Step 2: Make the cookie layer

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer, and it’s worth the effort—this step adds air to your batter, which makes the bars lighter. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until combined.

Next, mix in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want. Spread it evenly into your prepared pan. Don’t worry if it’s a little tricky to spread; a spatula or even slightly damp hands help.

Step 3: Bake to perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The center will look underbaked when you pull it out—resist the urge to leave it in longer! The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Whip up the frosting

While the bars cool, make the frosting. Whip the softened butter and powdered sugar until combined, then add the vanilla and heavy cream. Keep whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy—it should hold soft peaks.

Step 5: Frost and decorate

Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie layer. If you’re feeling artistic, swirl it with the back of a spoon. Scatter a generous handful of Christmas sprinkles on top. Now comes the hard part: waiting! If you prefer firmer frosting, chill the bars in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before slicing. If you can’t wait, dig in immediately!

Variations to fit every holiday vibe

One of my favorite things about these sugar cookie bars is how versatile they are. Here are a few fun ways to make them your own:

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter, a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and plant-based heavy cream.
• Flavor twists: Try peppermint extract instead of almond for a minty holiday twist. You can also add a splash of orange zest for a citrusy zing.
• Colorful frosting: Mix a few drops of food coloring into the frosting to match your holiday theme—red, green, or even snowy white!
• Seasonal sprinkles: Experiment with non-holiday versions of this recipe by using heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or pastel ones for Easter.

Serving and presentation ideas

Serve these bars on a festive platter or arrange them in a tin lined with parchment paper for an edible gift. To take the presentation up a notch, add a dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted bars for a “snowy” effect. Pair them with a warm drink—hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even a peppermint mocha—and watch the compliments roll in.

What to sip with these festive treats

These sugar cookie bars are versatile enough to pair with almost any drink. My personal favorite? A glass of eggnog or a cozy cup of chai tea. For adults, a light dessert wine like Moscato or a holiday cocktail (think spiked hot chocolate or Bailey’s on the rocks) complements the sweetness beautifully.

Storing and reheating tips

These bars store well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of a holiday party. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the fridge: Keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften.
• In the freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 12 bars, but scaling it up or down is easy. For a larger crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few extra minutes. For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients and use a loaf pan.

Troubleshooting tips (because things happen)

• Bars too dry? You may have overbaked them. Pull them out when the edges are set but the center looks slightly underdone.
• Frosting too runny? Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.
• Trouble spreading the dough? Use damp hands or a silicone spatula for smoother results.

Final thoughts: holiday magic in every bite

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive holiday treat, these festive Christmas sugar cookie bars are a must-try. They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with holiday cheer—everything a good dessert should be. Plus, the frosting and sprinkles make them as fun to make as they are to eat. So grab your sprinkles, preheat that oven, and get ready to spread some holiday joy (one delicious bite at a time). Happy baking!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. For the best results, stick with real butter.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Nope! This recipe skips the chilling step, so you can go straight from mixing to baking.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for days. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of a busy holiday schedule.

4. Can I use a hand whisk instead of a mixer?
You can, but it’ll take a bit more effort to cream the butter and sugars. A hand or stand mixer makes this step easier.

5. What’s the best way to slice the bars?
For clean edges, chill the bars for 20-30 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for a neat finish.

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