Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are like a festive hug for your taste buds, wrapped in a delightful layer of sweet, buttery goodness. Picture this: soft, chewy cookie bars adorned with colorful sprinkles and topped with creamy frosting, all while wafting the aroma of vanilla and holiday cheer throughout your home. These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, bringing smiles to faces young and old alike.
As I reminisce about baking these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with my family, I can almost hear the laughter and see the flour flying everywhere. It’s a ritual that marks the start of the holiday season, filling our hearts—and our bellies—with joy. With each bite, you’ll experience that wonderful blend of sweetness and nostalgia that only comes from enjoying homemade goodies during this special time of year.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- This incredible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars :
-
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have base for any cookie bar; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
-
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens up these bars perfectly; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
-
Baking Powder: Provides that delightful rise; make sure it’s not expired for optimal fluffiness.
-
Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness; it balances all those flavors beautifully.
-
Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature to create that luscious texture everyone loves.
-
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together; they add richness too!
-
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation for a true taste sensation.
-
Sprinkles: Festive touches on top make these bars more fun; use your favorite colors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars :
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish (I recommend using a 9×13 inch) and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This dry mix is like the foundation of a beautiful house—make sure it’s solid!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes; think of it as cardio for your arms!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Your mixture should look smooth and inviting—like a warm hug on a cold winter day.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix! We want those cookie bars soft and tender—not tough little bricks.
Step 6: Bake Time!
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish using a spatula. Sprinkle festive sprinkles on top—because who doesn’t love sprinkles? Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden around the edges and set in the middle.
Once they cool (if you can wait that long), cut them into squares or rectangles and enjoy! These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect as is or topped with frosting to really elevate them to dessert royalty.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing if desired for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every bite surrounded by loved ones or indulge solo while watching your favorite holiday movie—it’s all good!
You Must Know About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- This showstopping Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, mix the wet ingredients before gradually incorporating the dry ones. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and bake until golden brown. Lastly, let it cool before slicing into bars for the ultimate festive treat.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap in almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist or add colorful sprinkles for extra holiday cheer! You can also incorporate crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips to give your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a delightful crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Baking these bars always brings back memories of my aunt’s holiday parties where we’d devour them before they even cooled down. The laughter and joy around the kitchen made every batch taste even sweeter!
FAQs
What are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive dessert that combines the classic flavors of sugar cookies in a convenient bar form. These delicious treats are soft, chewy, and usually topped with colorful icing or sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Unlike traditional cookies that require rolling and cutting dough, these bars are simply baked in a pan and cut into squares. Their easy preparation makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday bakers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without extensive effort.
How do I store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I customize my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can add various mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different icings or toppings such as crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles. These personal touches allow you to create a unique treat that reflects your holiday spirit while still being simple and delicious.
Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for gifting?
Yes! Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars make excellent gifts during the holiday season. Their eye-catching appearance and delightful taste will surely impress friends and family alike. To gift them, simply cut the bars into squares and package them in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper. You can also include a personalized note or label explaining the treat’s special significance. This thoughtful gesture is sure to spread holiday cheer!
Conclusion
In summary, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies by delivering all the flavor in an easy-to-make bar format. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, customizable with various toppings and flavors, and make wonderful gifts for loved ones. By following simple storage tips, you can enjoy these treats throughout the festive season. Whether baking for a party or gifting friends, these cookie bars will surely bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookie bars 1x
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, capturing the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. These soft and chewy bars are topped with colorful sprinkles and creamy frosting, making them the perfect treat for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. With minimal effort required and an impressive presentation, these bars will bring joy to all ages this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle additional sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden around the edges and set in the center.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Leave a Comment