Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction to Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars give you everything good about a frosted sugar cookie in one pan: a soft, buttery base, a thick layer of frosting and a scatter of colorful sprinkles. They are an easy dessert for parties, gatherings and family celebrations, and they bring a bit of color to a holiday table.

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They are quick to prepare, so you spend more of the holidays with the people you love and less time at the oven. They are also simple enough for beginner bakers and still taste and look homemade.

You need only a handful of ingredients and the instructions are short. Cut into squares and topped with sprinkles, they look good on any dessert table, and a single pan feeds a whole party.

Key ingredients

Here is what goes into the soft base and the frosted top.

Dough

Unsalted Butter (1 cup) : Adds richness and gives the bars their soft texture. Soften it to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.

Granulated Sugar (2 cups) : Sweetens the bars and, creamed with the butter, gives them a tender crumb.

Large Eggs (4) : Add moisture and structure so the bars rise and keep a soft, chewy center. Add them one at a time for the best results.

Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) : Warm flavor that rounds out the sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour (5 cups) : The main structure, keeping the bars soft but sturdy enough to slice.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) : Helps the bars rise as they bake so they come out light and fluffy.

Salt (1 teaspoon) : Balances the sugar and sharpens the other flavors.

Frosting

Frosting (1 cup) : Store-bought or homemade both work. It adds sweetness and is the base for your decorations.

Sprinkles : Color and a festive look.

Why you’ll love this recipe

The bars are very soft, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth and a generous layer of frosting on top. Kids and adults both reach for them at holiday time.

A time-saving treat

You get holiday cookies without rolling, cutting and baking tray after tray. Everything goes in a single pan, prep is minimal, and a batch is done in under an hour, which leaves more time for everything else on your holiday list.

Easy to adapt for any occasion

They are made for Christmas, but you can adapt them for any celebration. Change the frosting colors and sprinkles to match the event, or use a different extract for a new flavor, and they work all year.

Variations

Changing the flavors and toppings keeps the recipe interesting and lets you fit it to different celebrations.

Flavor variations

Try almond extract in place of vanilla, or a hint of peppermint extract for a holiday flavor. You can also mix in seasonal spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer taste.

Frosting options

Classic buttercream works well, but cream cheese frosting adds a tang that balances the sweet bars. For something lighter, use a whipped cream frosting, or go richer with a chocolate ganache.

Custom decorations

Beyond sprinkles, try crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Edible glitter gives the bars a sparkly finish for holiday gatherings.

Cooking tips and notes

A few tips help the bars come out soft and look neat.

Getting the texture right

Don’t overbake them. Start checking at the 20-minute mark: the edges should be golden and the center still soft. When a toothpick comes out clean, they are ready to cool and frost.

Cooling and frosting

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting, or the frosting will melt. If you use store-bought frosting, a splash of milk makes it creamier and easier to spread. Homemade frosting lets you choose your own flavors, from plain vanilla to something more creative.

Storage and serving suggestions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they keep for up to a week. For special occasions, cut them into festive shapes with cookie cutters, or serve them with a scoop of ice cream.

For a spiced cookie to sit next to these bars on a holiday tray, try our soft Amish molasses cookies with crackly sugar tops.

For a holiday party platter, these bars go well next to a bowl of sugar cookie cheesecake dip that comes together in 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

A little thought about presentation makes them look even more festive.

Festive platter

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary or mini pinecones tucked between them.

Pairing with beverages

Serve them with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a glass of cold milk. For adults, a spiced holiday cocktail or a chai latte goes well with the sweetness.

Packaging as gifts

Cut the bars into neat squares and pack them in a festive tin or box lined with parchment paper. Tie a ribbon around it and you have a homemade gift friends and family will appreciate.

Time breakdown

Preparation

About 20 minutes to gather the ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, and mix in the eggs and dry ingredients.

Cooking/Baking

Approximately 25 minutes in the oven, while the kitchen fills with the smell of fresh cookies.

Total

About 45 minutes from start to finish, so you don’t lose a whole day to holiday baking.

Nutritional facts

Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.

Key nutritional information

Each serving has 18 grams of sugar and 12 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, which explains the rich, buttery taste. It also contains 34 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

Sodium is about 150 milligrams per serving, which is fairly moderate, and cholesterol is 50 milligrams. They are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation and balance them with the rest of your holiday eating.

Frequently asked questions

How do I store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

In an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, so you can make them ahead for holiday gatherings.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to three months; thaw before serving.

What can I use instead of frosting?

A light dusting of powdered sugar, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Whipped cream or yogurt gives a fresher topping.

How can I customize the flavors?

Add extracts like almond or peppermint to the dough. Chocolate chips or nuts add texture and flavor too.

Conclusion

Soft, frosted and easy to make, these bars suit a holiday party or a quiet evening at home. Pick your favorite frosting and sprinkles, bake a pan to share, and save the recipe for next year.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us