The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! The best Christmas sugar cookie bars are not only easy to make but also bring joy to any gathering. I love how these bars can be whipped up quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute family get-togethers. The soft and chewy texture combined with a sweet frosting makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

These cookie bars are festive enough for holiday parties yet simple enough to enjoy on a cozy afternoon at home. You’ll find that they disappear as fast as you can bake them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have delicious treats ready for your friends and family in no time.
• Family-Friendly: These cookie bars are perfect for all ages! Kids will love decorating them with sprinkles, making it a fun activity.
• Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a sweet craving, these bars fit the bill perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these in advance and frost them when you’re ready to serve!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple! These ingredients are wholesome and probably already in your pantry. Gather them up, and let’s get started on making the best Christmas sugar cookie bars!

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Christmas sprinkles

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to add your personal touch. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Change Up the Sprinkles: Use colored sprinkles to match your occasion or even crushed candy canes for a minty flair!
• Nut Butter Swirl: Spread a layer of almond or peanut butter on top before frosting for added flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Mix in chocolate chips into the batter for gooey chocolate goodness.

How to Make The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly, giving them that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, which helps create a lovely texture in your cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined. These flavors are what really make these cookie bars special!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookie bars soft!

Step 5: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking pan (about 9×9 inches). Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely before frosting so that it won’t melt.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool down, prepare the frosting by creaming together softened butter with powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency. It should be spreadable yet thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, spread your frosting over the cooled cookie bars generously. Top with festive Christmas sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy sharing these delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your Christmas sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps them blend better, creating a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you desire.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookie bars as they bake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing your cookie bars to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful, creamy top that holds its shape.
• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookie bars in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!

How to Serve The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Presenting your Christmas sugar cookie bars can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your dessert table festive and inviting.

Garnishes

• Christmas sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles adds a festive touch and makes these bars visually appealing.
• Drizzle of white chocolate: Melt some dairy-free white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a creamy finish that complements their sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm mug of rich hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats, adding an extra layer of comfort perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars. Consider using seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or citrus slices for a bright touch.
• Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing that adds creaminess and temperature contrast.
• Coffee or tea: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience, allowing guests to sip alongside their sweet treat while mingling.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dessert experience with The best Christmas sugar cookie bars this holiday season! Enjoy every moment spent baking and sharing these delicious treats with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy sweet treats during the busy holiday season. You can bake a batch ahead of time and store them for later or even freeze some to have on hand for unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares before freezing for easy serving.
• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making the best Christmas sugar cookie bars:

Can I use margarine instead of butter in the best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I add more flavor to my Christmas sugar cookie bars?

To enhance the flavor of your sugar cookie bars, consider adding extra vanilla extract or experimenting with different extracts like lemon or coconut. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts if desired!

Can I make these Christmas sugar cookie bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to decorate the best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

You can decorate these bars with festive sprinkles, colored icing, or even melted white chocolate drizzled on top. Get creative and make them your own!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for the best Christmas sugar cookie bars brings joy to your holiday celebrations! They’re easy to make and absolutely scrumptious — perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste. Happy baking!