Description
These festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Topped with colorful red and green sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. Easy to make and baked in a single pan, they deliver a delightful balance of buttery sweetness and festive charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and eggs, beating until smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed. Mix in baking powder and salt, then gradually add the flour until just combined. Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles to distribute them evenly.
- Spread and Bake: Using a spatula or clean hands, evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, whip the softened butter for about 2 minutes until creamy and lighter in color. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing. Add vanilla extract, salt, and start by adding 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Adjust the consistency by adding the optional 4th tablespoon if frosting is too thick.
- Whip Frosting: Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing. If desired, mix in food coloring at this stage. Finish by beating on low speed for about 1 minute to remove air bubbles and produce a smooth texture.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Garnish the top with additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut into 24 bars and enjoy your delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookie bars to keep them soft and chewy.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Heavy cream in the frosting can be substituted with milk for a lighter texture.
- Sprinkles add color and festive appeal, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas sugar cookie bars, holiday dessert bars, sugar cookie recipe, festive cookie bars, buttercream frosting bars, easy holiday baking
