Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 3/4 cup butter, softened; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons red and green jimmy sprinkles; 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons, softened; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk); 1/8 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; sprinkles for topping

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons red and green jimmie sprinkles

Frosting:

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons, softened

3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)

1/8 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Sprinkles for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 3: Add the baking powder and salt, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour and mix just until combined. Gently fold in the 3 tablespoons of red and green sprinkles.

Step 4: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands. Bake for 12-14 minutes, taking care not to overbake.

Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a stand mixer or large bowl for about 2 minutes until creamy and lightened in color. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Add more cream or milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, scraping the bowl once or twice. Beat on low speed for about 1 minute to remove air bubbles.

Step 8: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with additional sprinkles. Cut into 24 pieces.

Step 9: Enjoy your festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure the dough mixes evenly and creates a tender texture.

For a fun twist, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting to match your holiday theme.

If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more cream or milk.

Substitute sprinkles with chopped nuts or festive colored sugar for different textures and looks.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Leftover bars can also be frozen—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the bars becoming too salty.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cookie bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your baking powder and sprinkles are also gluten-free.