Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with a festive, creamy frosting. A perfect holiday treat, these bars combine a chewy sugar cookie base with a smooth, colorful frosting. Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a cozy treat to share with loved ones, they bring cheer to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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 🎉
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the cookie dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough into the pan:
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to smooth the surface for an even bake.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain the soft texture.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
- If using multiple colors, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
- Frost the cookie bars:
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles and allow the frosting to set before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Customizable Frosting: Add food coloring to the frosting for a festive touch or to match holiday themes.
- Storage: Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Alternative Frosting: If you prefer a tangy twist, use cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla frosting.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookie bars while baking; they should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Optional Add-ins: Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter for extra festive flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/24th of the recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30mg