Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: 7 Sweet Ideas

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Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie bars are a delightful treat that adds joy to any holiday celebration. Soft and buttery, these cookie bars are topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for gatherings or as a sweet gift. The combination of flavors and textures will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces during the festive season. Let’s dive into how to create these delicious treats!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

This Christmas cookie recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Here are some reasons to love it:

Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes.
Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for decorating with colorful Christmas sugar cookies.
Great for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Customizable with various easy festive sugar cookie ideas.
Ideal for sharing and gifting during the holidays.

This recipe showcases classic American baking methods, making it a fun and festive addition to your holiday repertoire.

Ingredients for Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Holiday sprinkles

How to Make Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
Step 4: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
Step 6: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles.
Step 7: Cut into squares or rectangles, and serve.

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Pro Tips for the Best Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Use high-quality vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if the dough is too soft to spread easily.

Best Ways to Serve Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

These cookie bars are perfect for serving at parties or as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal. Here are a few serving ideas:

Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Display on a festive platter with other homemade holiday sugar cookie recipes.
Wrap individually as party favors or gifts.

How to Store and Reheat Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie

What is a Christmas sugar cookie?

A Christmas sugar cookie is a sweet, soft cookie often decorated with icing and sprinkles, making it a staple for holiday celebrations. These cookies are loved for their versatility and can be customized with various flavors and decorations.

Can I make Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake these cookie bars a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and add the frosting just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie?

To avoid common issues, make sure to accurately measure your ingredients, especially the flour. Over-measuring can lead to dry cookies. Also, don’t skip the cooling step before frosting; this will prevent the frosting from melting.

Variations of Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to customize these cookie bars. Here are some ideas:

Make a vegan festive sugar cookie recipe by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using plant-based butter.
Try a gluten-free Christmas sugar cookie by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add in festive flavors like peppermint extract or almond extract for a unique twist.

With these ideas, you can create a batch of cookie bars that will delight everyone during the holiday season!

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For more delicious recipes, check out our Apple Pie Baked Oats or S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe. If you’re looking for a savory option, try our Pumpkin Sage Soup for a delightful meal.

Additionally, you can learn more about the history of sugar cookies here.