Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Feeds 12

Forget the stress of chilling dough and rolling out dozens of individual cookies this holiday season. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate “cheat code” for festive baking. You get that classic, soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie texture but in a fraction of the time. These bars are thick, buttery, and topped with a luscious layer of buttercream frosting that holds all your favorite holiday sprinkles. Whether you are hosting a party or need a quick treat for a school swap, this recipe delivers maximum festive vibes with minimal effort.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 large bars
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 345 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 48g

Why Make This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Feeds 12

This recipe is a holiday lifesaver for several reasons. First, it eliminates the need for cookie cutters and multiple baking sheets. You bake the entire batch in one pan, which means no more rotating trays in the oven. Second, the texture is consistently soft and chewy—much more so than a traditional cutout cookie. It feeds a group of 12 perfectly, making it the ideal size for a family gathering or a small gift box. Plus, the thick frosting-to-cookie ratio is a dream for anyone who loves a sweet, decadent treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting and Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring (optional)
• Christmas sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This allows you to lift the entire block of bars out easily once they are cooled. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth out the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake! Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

While the bars cool, make the frosting. Beat the butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring. Spread a thick layer over the cooled cookie base. Top generously with Christmas sprinkles. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 even squares.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Feeds 12

To ensure your bars are the talk of the party, use room-temperature butter. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to a dense cookie. Also, pay close attention to the baking time. These bars should look slightly underbaked when you pull them out; they will firm up as they cool, resulting in that sought-after soft texture. Finally, always let the bars cool 100% before frosting. If the base is even slightly warm, your beautiful buttercream will melt and slide right off.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize these bars for different tastes. Try swapping the vanilla frosting for a peppermint buttercream by adding 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and topping with crushed candy canes. For a richer flavor, use a cream cheese frosting instead of a standard buttercream. If you want a bit of crunch, fold 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough before baking. You can also change the colors and sprinkles to fit any other holiday throughout the year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these sugar cookie bars?

Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked and frosted bars for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, or if you used a cream cheese frosting, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! If you are short on time, a tub of store-bought vanilla frosting works perfectly. You can whip it with a hand mixer for a minute to make it fluffier before spreading it on the bars.

What is the best way to get clean cuts?

For the cleanest edges, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. Use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between every single cut.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time, so keep a close eye on the edges.

Conclusion

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for busy holiday schedules. They offer all the nostalgic flavor of a traditional sugar cookie without the hours of labor. With their soft, buttery base and festive toppings, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Give this easy recipe a try and spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit with your loved ones!

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