Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Short Description

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and decorated with festive sprinkles, making them the perfect holiday treat. These bars are easy to make and require no rolling or cutting, making them a stress-free dessert option for holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture with a rich buttery flavor
• No rolling or cutting required – just bake and slice
• Customizable with different frostings and decorations
• Perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat powdered sugar, butter, and heavy cream until smooth.
8. Decorate: Once the bars have cooled, spread frosting over the top and add festive sprinkles.
9. Slice & Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for extra decadence.
• Festive Colors: Use food coloring to tint the frosting red or green.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Citrus Twist: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months; thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! Cream cheese frosting or a simple butter glaze works well.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

How do I prevent overbaking?

Check at the 18-minute mark and remove from the oven when the edges are lightly golden.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can omit it or replace it with extra vanilla extract.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Yes! Fold in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Do these bars harden as they cool?

They firm up slightly but remain soft and chewy.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for the frosting.

Can I cut these into fun shapes?

Yes! Use cookie cutters after baking for festive shapes.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple yet festive treat that will add holiday cheer to any celebration. Whether decorated with colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate, these bars are sure to be a family favorite!

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