Sugar Cookie Bars – Get ready for the holiday season with these mouthwatering Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! These bars are a twist on classic sugar cookies, combining a thick and chewy cookie base with a creamy and sweet frosting. With colorful sprinkles on top, these bars are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. These bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat for your loved ones.
Every year during the holiday season, my little family looks forward to making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars together. The recipe has become a staple in our household, and we love how festive and delicious they are. One year, my husband surprised us by adding his own twist to the recipe and added some peppermint extract to the frosting, making it taste even more like Christmas. Now, it’s a tradition in our family to make these bars with a touch of peppermint extract. We love the memories and the flavor that these bars bring to our holiday season.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try?
The Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-try because they offer a unique twist on traditional sugar cookies. The sprinkles add a fun and festive touch, making them perfect for holiday parties or for baking with kids. The cookie base is thick and chewy, and the frosting is creamy and sweet, making for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients:
For the sugar cookie bars:
- 1 stick (113g) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup (40g) festive sprinkles
For the frosting:
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 stick (113g) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- additional sprinkles for decorating
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9″x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Add in the flour and baking powder, a little at a time, until you have a thick batter.
Gently stir in the festive sprinkles.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth out the surface.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once finished baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
To make the frosting, blend together the powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting generously on top of the cooled cookie bar.
Top with additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
Cut into squares and serve immediately, or let the frosting set for a firmer feel.
Notes:
- For the sprinkles, feel free to use any festive ones you have on hand. You can also use different colors and shapes to customize the bars to your liking.
- Make sure to let the bars cool fully before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
- You can also refrigerate the bars for a firmer texture if you prefer.
In conclusion, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. The soft and buttery cookie base is filled with colorful sprinkles and topped with a creamy and sweet cream cheese frosting. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert to serve at a holiday party or just want to enjoy a sweet treat with your loved ones, these bars are the perfect choice. Give them a try and see for yourself how delicious they are!
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter and simply add a pinch of salt to the recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and then frost them.
Can I use a different type of frosting instead of the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use any type of frosting you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch pan instead of a 9×9 inch pan, but the bars will be slightly thinner. You may also need to adjust the baking time.
Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the sugar cookie bars:
- 1 stick 113g salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup 40g festive sprinkles
For the frosting:
- 2 cups 250g powdered sugar
- 1 stick 113g salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- additional sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9"x 9" baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add in the flour and baking powder, a little at a time, until you have a thick batter.
- Gently stir in the festive sprinkles.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth out the surface.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once finished baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- To make the frosting, blend together the powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting generously on top of the cooled cookie bar.
- Top with additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Cut into squares and serve immediately, or let the frosting set for a firmer feel.
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