christmas sugar cookie bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: A Festive and Fun Treat for the Holidays

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and these Christmas sugar cookie bars are an absolute holiday favorite. They take the classic flavors of a sugar cookie and transform them into easy-to-serve bars with a soft, buttery base topped with a festive frosting and sprinkles. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to make and can be decorated in a variety of holiday colors and themes. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars!

Why Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Holiday Must-Have

Christmas sugar cookie bars are a wonderful alternative to traditional rolled and cut sugar cookies. They capture the same flavors and textures but without the fuss of individual cookies. These bars are soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious layer of frosting, making them ideal for any holiday gathering. Plus, decorating them with holiday sprinkles makes them a festive addition to your dessert table!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To make these bars extra special, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Sugar Cookie Base

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a rich, buttery flavor. It should be softened to room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and a slightly crisp edge to the bars.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie base.
• Almond Extract (optional): Adds a subtle, festive flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars structure. Be sure to measure accurately for the best texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft, cakey texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

2. Frosting

• Butter: For a creamy, rich frosting, use softened unsalted butter.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting. Sift to remove any lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the frosting.
• Milk or Cream: Helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
• Food Coloring: Red, green, or any festive color to give the bars a holiday look.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Adds color and festivity to the finished bars.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for holiday baking.

1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

2. Bake the Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Press Dough into Pan: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer.
2. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

3. Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat Butter and Powdered Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in vanilla extract and a small amount of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency. Add more milk, if necessary, to achieve a spreadable texture.
3. Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into bowls and add food coloring to create festive colors like red, green, or blue.

4. Frost and Decorate the Bars

1. Spread Frosting: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
2. Add Sprinkles: Decorate with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
3. Cut into Squares: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, then slice into squares or rectangles for serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the butter and sugar cream together more easily, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy.
3. Chill the Bars Before Cutting: After frosting, refrigerate the bars for about 15 minutes to make cutting easier and prevent the frosting from smudging.
4. Customize Colors: Feel free to use any holiday colors or sprinkles you like to match your theme.

Nutritional Information

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Christmas sugar cookie bars look lovely on their own, but here are some creative ways to serve and display them for an extra holiday touch:

• Arrange on a Festive Platter: Use a holiday-themed platter to make the colors pop.
• Gift Them in Tins: Package them in decorative holiday tins for a homemade gift.
• Serve with Hot Chocolate: These bars pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot chocolate.

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

Oatmeal cranberry bars bring together the wholesome goodness of oats and the tart, vibrant flavor of cranberries to create a snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. These bars are a fantastic choice for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or a sweet-yet-healthy treat.

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Conclusion: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – A Fun and Festive Holiday Treat

Christmas sugar cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining the classic flavors of a sugar cookie with the convenience and fun of a bar. Soft, chewy, and topped with colorful frosting and sprinkles, these bars are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them with family, these bars are a delightful addition to the holiday season.