Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 Large Egg (room temperature); 1 Large Egg Yolk (room temperature); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 0.5 teaspoon Almond Extract; 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened (for frosting)); 4 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 0.25 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 1-3 tablespoons Whole Milk; ⅓ cup Christmas Sprinkles (your favorite)

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There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season, especially when it comes to making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. This easy-to-make treat fills the house with the most wonderful aroma and brings back fond childhood memories of family gatherings. I remember the excitement of decorating the cookies with colorful sprinkles, eagerly waiting for them to cool before devouring them. These cookie bars are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly winter evening. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and nostalgia. If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert to celebrate the season, you’ve found it!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk

What Sets This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Apart

Comfort in Every Bite

There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavor of sugar in dessert. Each square of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars transports you back to cozy kitchens filled with laughter and warmth. The buttery undertones and sugary sweetness of these bars create a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.

Perfect for Sharing

These bars are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a holiday party, a family gathering, or a simple get-together, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to be the hit of the event. They can be easily cut into squares, making them a delightful treat for everyone.

Festive Decorations

What makes these bars even more special is the festive touch you can add. By topping them with colorful Christmas sprinkles, you bring a visual delight that perfectly matches their delicious flavor. They’re a feast for the eyes and the palate!

Simple Ingredients

The ingredient list is straightforward, making it easy for anyone, regardless of their baking experience, to whip up a batch. With essentials like butter, sugar, flour, and a few special touches like almond extract, you can create something truly special without fuss.

Customizable Treats

Feel free to get creative! You can adjust the sweetness or add in your favorite mix-ins to make these bars your own. They offer a blank canvas for your baking creativity, so the sky’s the limit!

Ideal for Any Occasion

While perfect for Christmas, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars can be enjoyed year-round. They’re suitable for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet treat after dinner. Who says you need a specific occasion to indulge in deliciousness?

Ingredient List for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, the choice of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that desired taste and texture. Each component complements the others, resulting in a treat that’s both delectable and satisfying. The combination of butter, sugar, and flour forms the foundation, while flavor enhancers like almond extract bring a festive twist. Let’s take a closer look at the key players.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 227 grams) – The star of the show, providing a rich, creamy base.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
1 large egg (room temperature) – Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive bar.
1 large egg yolk (room temperature) – Enhances richness and moisture in the bars.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; feel free to use a quality alternative.
½ teaspoon almond extract – A special touch that enhances the festive flavor profile.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams) – The main ingredient providing structure and texture.
½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise, giving them a delightful crumb.
½ teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 227 grams, for frosting) – Necessary for creating a creamy frosting.
4 cups powdered sugar (480 grams) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, creating ideal spreadability.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for frosting to marry the flavors.
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt – Adds flavor and ensures a well-rounded taste.
1-3 tablespoons whole milk – Adjusts the frosting to your desired consistency.
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles – For festive decoration and visual appeal.

Preparation Steps for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Ready to dive into the baking adventure? Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars involves straightforward steps that are both fun and rewarding. Grab your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your bars bake evenly. While that’s happening, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The air incorporated during this process will help give your bars a lovely texture.
Next, add in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until well combined, ensuring that everything is mixed evenly. The batter should look homogeneous.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in your final product.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture. You might notice the dough is thick but that’s exactly what you want!
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure an even layer. This step is vital for uniform baking.
The next step is to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary.
Once done, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This could take around 30 to 45 minutes. Patience is key here, as it will help with frosting later.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your frosting.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar in increments of ½ cup, mixing well after each addition. This helps prevent a powdered sugar cloud!
Then, add the vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you find it too thick, add one teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or a knife. Be generous—this is the best part!
If desired, top with festive Christmas sprinkles to make them extra special. Finally, cut into bars and enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Know your oven: Each oven bakes differently. It’s a good idea to check on your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Cooling time matters: Letting the bars cool completely before frosting is essential. Frosting a warm bar can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter, eggs, and any dairy should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Frosting alternatives: If you’re short on time, a simple dusting of powdered sugar can be a great alternative to frosting!

Expert Tips about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your baking experience is as seamless as possible, here are some expert tips to keep in mind while making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These insights will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
Freezing: Unfrosted cookie bars can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Make ahead: You can prepare the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the bars.
Variations: Experiment with different extracts or add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts to create your unique version of these cookie bars.
Serving suggestion: Serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Side Dish Ideas for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Pairing your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to consider.

Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars.
Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sugariness of the bars, making it a great pairing.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a festive touch.
Milk: For a classic pairing, nothing beats a tall glass of cold milk!
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, making your dessert table more vibrant.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of the bars, providing a diverse taste experience.
Holiday Punch: A festive drink like spiced apple cider can enhance the holiday spirit while enjoying your cookie bars.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container once cooled. This will help keep them fresh and ready for your holiday gathering!

If you don’t have almond extract, you can opt for additional vanilla extract or even use a different flavor extract like lemon or orange for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll last for up to a week.

Yes! Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Conclusion

The Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with festive flavors, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Their sweetness and easy preparation make them a must-try for anyone looking to spread some cheer. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and create memories together in the kitchen!