Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction

When I first made these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, I was immediately blown away by how soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet they turned out. The festive frosting, topped with colorful sprinkles, added just the right touch of holiday cheer. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and they quickly became the star of our holiday gatherings. Whether served at a cookie exchange or enjoyed as a cozy dessert at home, these sugar cookie bars are always a hit. The combination of the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base and the creamy, fluffy frosting makes for the perfect treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season.

I also love how easy these bars are to make. They’re much simpler than rolling out individual sugar cookies, yet they have all the delicious flavor and festive appeal. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy Christmas cookies without all the hassle, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the way to go. Plus, the best part is that they’re customizable with food coloring and sprinkles to match any holiday theme. I hope you enjoy these festive treats as much as we do!

Ingredients

To make these soft, buttery Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 🥄
• 2 large eggs 🥚🥚
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 🍦
• 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 4 cups powdered sugar 🍚
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
• Food coloring (red, green, or your favorite festive colors) 🌈
• Sprinkles for decorating 🎉

These ingredients come together to create the perfect base and topping for a festive holiday treat that’s sure to impress your family, friends, and guests.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

1. Add the 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 a soft dough forms.

1. Press the Dough into the Pan:

• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula. Make sure the dough is evenly spread across the entire dish for even baking.

1. Bake the Cookie Bars:

• Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain the softness of the cookie bars.
• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

1. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
• If you’re using multiple colors of frosting, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl as desired.

1. Frost the Cookie Bars:

• Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
• Decorate with festive sprinkles to add a fun and colorful touch.

1. Slice and Serve:

• Let the frosting set for a few minutes before slicing the cookie bars into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving, assuming the recipe makes about 24 servings:

• Serving Size: 1 square (1/24th of the recipe)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the squares and the ingredients used, but they offer a good estimate for enjoying these delicious cookie bars in moderation.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes (including cooling time)

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules when you want a festive treat without spending too much time in the kitchen.

How to Serve

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for serving at any holiday occasion:

• For Holiday Parties: These bars make a great addition to your holiday dessert spread. They’re easy to cut into squares and serve to a crowd.
• At Cookie Exchanges: The vibrant frosting and festive sprinkles make these bars stand out at cookie exchanges or potlucks.
• With Hot Chocolate or Eggnog: These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog for the perfect holiday treat.
• As a Gift: Package these cookie bars in a decorative tin or gift box for a homemade holiday gift.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the baking dish. This will help the bars maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
2. Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, fluffy dough.
3. Decorate with Holiday Sprinkles: Use red and green sprinkles for a classic holiday look or choose multicolored sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.
4. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars while baking. They should be golden on the edges but still soft in the middle. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.
5. Use a Parchment Paper Lining: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper ensures that the cookie bars come out easily and that cleanup is a breeze.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten content as well.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the regular egg. Make sure to use plant-based milk and powdered sugar that doesn’t contain bone char.
• Lemon or Orange Zest: Add some citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the cookie dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the frosting.
• Chocolate Frosting: If you prefer chocolate over vanilla, you can make a chocolate frosting by adding cocoa powder to the frosting mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair them with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
• As Part of a Cookie Tray: Include them on a cookie tray with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, snickerdoodles, and thumbprint cookies.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze these cookie bars for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storing: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If the frosting starts to soften, you can refrigerate them to help set the frosting.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly, especially in the frosting.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
3. Can I use non-dairy milk for the frosting?
   Yes, almond milk or coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream or milk in the frosting.
4. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
   Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to the dough for extra texture.
5. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   Of course! You can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or even whipped cream as an alternative.
6. **Can I add food coloring to the dough?**
   Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough itself to match the theme.
7. How do I make these cookies more chewy?
   To make them chewier, avoid overbaking and use a bit more brown sugar in the dough.
8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes, you can chill or freeze the dough for up to 2 months before baking. Just let it thaw before pressing it into the pan.
9. How can I make these cookies look more festive?
   Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or even colored sugar on top of the frosting for a festive touch.
10. Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
    To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that your powdered sugar is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing together the perfect combination of soft, buttery cookies and festive, creamy frosting. They’re easy to make, customizable with various colors and decorations, and perfect for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just to enjoy a special treat at home, these bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday season.

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