Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Bring a bit of holiday magic to your kitchen with these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Soft, buttery cookie bars topped with a luscious frosting and festive sprinkles, these bars are the perfect treat for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family gatherings
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- Offset spatula (optional, for spreading frosting evenly)
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring optional, for a festive touch
- Holiday sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Bars
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Press Into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If using food coloring, add a few drops now and mix until fully incorporated.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with holiday sprinkles.
Notes
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Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe for more festive recipes. Follow us on social media for holiday inspiration and behind-the-scenes kitchen fun!