Description
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars offer festive charm without the fuss. Enjoy the classic taste of sugar cookies in a convenient bar form, perfect for holiday gatherings. Topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, these bars are a delightful and simple addition to your festive spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles
- Red & green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add pure vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute until smooth. Scrape bowl again.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the room temperature milk. Mix only until flour streaks disappear and a soft, pliable dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Press the thick cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
- Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely (1-2 hours) before frosting. Bars must be entirely cool.
- For the frosting: In a clean large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together on medium speed until incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape bowl frequently.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated after each addition.
- Beat in pure vanilla extract and optional pinch of salt. Add 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, beating on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until light, airy, and desired spreadable consistency is reached. Adjust liquid as needed.
- (Optional) Divide frosting and tint with red and green gel food coloring for extra festive visual appeal.
- Once bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Generously spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Immediately and lavishly adorn the top of the frosted bars with your favorite Christmas-themed sprinkles.
- Chill frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the slab into individual bars (e.g., 24 bars).
- Serve on a festive platter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow to come closer to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
- For cleaner cuts, chill the frosted bars before slicing.
- Prep Time: 40 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 300-400 (estimate)
- Sugar: Approx. 30-40g (estimate)
- Sodium: Approx. 100-150mg (estimate)
- Fat: Approx. 15-25g (estimate)
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-12g (estimate)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5-10g (estimate)
- Trans Fat: Less than 1g (estimate)
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g (estimate)
- Fiber: Less than 1g (estimate)
- Protein: Approx. 3-5g (estimate)
- Cholesterol: Approx. 50-70mg (estimate)