Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are pure holiday happiness on a plate. These soft, buttery bars are topped with creamy buttercream frosting and festive red, green, and white sprinkles that make every bite feel merry. They blend classic sugar cookie flavor with effortless bar baking, so no cookie cutters, no chilling, and no fuss. Perfect for sharing with family, baking with kids, or bringing to parties, these bars are quick to make and loved by all.

History of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Traditional sugar cookies date back to 1700s Europe, especially celebrated by German settlers in America centuries ago. These simple cookies of flour, butter, and sugar became a staple of holiday festivities. Over time, bakers began adapting old favorites for easier baking, leading to cookie bars that skip shaping and cutting. By pressing dough into a pan and frosting it, holiday bakers could enjoy soft, rich treats faster than individual cookies. Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars evolved as a fun twist on a cherished classic, blending long-standing cookie traditions with convenience and festive decoration.

Reasons You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

You’re going to adore these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars because they make holiday baking simple yet totally delicious. First off, they’re easy enough for beginner bakers, but still impress your guests with rich flavor and pretty presentation. Because you bake them all at once in one pan, cleanup is much easier than classic cut-out cookies. Each bar stays soft and tender, thanks to a little trick ingredient that keeps them moist and pillowy. The frosting is creamy and fluffy without being overly sweet, and those festive sprinkles instantly give holiday cheer. These bars travel well to cookie swaps and look gorgeous on a dessert tray. Plus they taste even better the next day, so you can bake ahead and stress less.

What Makes a Good Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

A good Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars should be soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Texture matters most, so these bars are light yet dense enough to hold frosting without crumbling. A touch of cornstarch adds extra softness, keeping them tender bite after bite. The buttercream frosting should be thick and creamy, not runny or gritty, and festive sprinkles add a fun crunch. Good balance of vanilla and almond extracts gives them a familiar, comforting aroma. A perfect bar takes classic sugar cookie flavor and makes it easier to share with a crowd.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls for prep
• Hand or stand mixer for easy creaming
• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper for easy removal
• Silicone spatula or offset spatula

Detailed instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can easily lift the bars later. Lightly spray the pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl beat softened butter on high for about a minute until creamy.
4. Add granulated sugar, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 1-1½ minutes.
5. Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time, beating after each.
6. Gradually mix in the flour mixture on medium-low until just combined. throughout the dough.
7. Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, until the edges turn slightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
9. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before frosting so the buttercream doesn’t melt.
10. For the frosting, beat softened butter, vanilla, and almond extract until creamy.
11. Slowly add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
12. Lift the cooled bars using the parchment, spread frosting evenly over the top, and sprinkle extra nonpareils before slicing into bars.

How to Tell When Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Are Done

You’ll know they’re finished when the edges look just a hint of golden, while the center stays lighter in color. A clean or slightly crumbly toothpick from the center means they’re ready. Don’t wait for dark browning or you’ll lose that tender texture. These bars continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven at the right moment and let them finish baking off-heat.

Variations & Toppings

You can easily mix up these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for different holiday vibes. For a chocolate twist, add white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate after frosting. Peppermint lovers can fold in crushed candy canes or swap almond extract for peppermint. For more spice, try a bit of orange zest or cinnamon in the dough. You can also switch up sprinkle colors for birthdays or other holidays, making pastel sprinkles for Easter or red hearts for Valentine’s. Edible sugar pearls or sanding sugar give extra sparkle if you want bakery-style bars.

Nutritional Insights

Each of these bars clocks in around 420 calories with about 49g carbs and 24g fat per serving. Butter contributes richness and caloric density, while eggs add a small amount of protein. Because they’re frosting-topped treats, they’re best enjoyed in moderation during holiday celebrations. If you want a lighter version, try reducing sugar slightly or using lower-fat dairy, though texture will adjust. Pairing a small bar with tea or fruit balances indulgence and enjoyment.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Always measure flour correctly using spoon-and-level to avoid dry bars.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for the easiest mixing.
• Cornstarch is key to the softest, most tender bars.
• Cool completely before frosting so it stays thick and pretty.
• A hot knife (warmed in hot water and wiped dry) gives clean slice edges.
• Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.

My Takes On Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These bars are my holiday go-to because they bring classic sugar cookie flavors without all the extra work. I love how quick they come together and how festive they look when frosted and sprinkled. The buttercream feels rich but not too sweet, and the almond extract makes my kitchen smell like Christmas every time. They’re the easiest way to impress a crowd with minimal effort.

Storage & Health Tips

Store leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to five. You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to two months—wrap them well and thaw before frosting. For slightly healthier swaps, use unsweetened sprinkles, reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two, or mix half whole wheat pastry flour with all-purpose. Those small changes cut a bit of sugar and add fiber without losing softness.

FAQs

1. Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead? Yes, they hold up well and even taste better the next day.
2. Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the dough and frosting.
3. Why is my frosting too thick? Add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired spread.
4. Can I double this recipe? You can, just use a 9×13 pan and increase bake time slightly.
5. How do I cut clean bars? A warm knife gives the neatest edges.
6. Can I skip almond extract? Yes, replace with extra vanilla if preferred.
7. What food coloring works? Gel food coloring gives bright colors without thinning the frosting.
8. Why did my bars turn dry? Overbaking or too much flour can dry them out.

Before You Go

Thanks for baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with me today, and I hope they help make your holiday sweeter! If you loved this recipe, explore other dessert ideas and seasonal treats on my site. Head over to Pinterest for more inspiration, and don’t forget to share your photos and results with our warm community of bakers. Your creations make this space extra special!.

Note: For more informations on nutrition, visit the website: nutrition.gov or MyPlate.gov | U.S. Department of Agriculture