Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, these bars are topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and decorated with colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed designs. They’re a fun, no-fuss alternative to traditional sugar cookies and are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy – Perfectly baked for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Festive and fun – Decorated with colorful sprinkles or holiday designs.
• Easy to make – No rolling or cutting required, unlike traditional sugar cookies.
• Perfect for sharing – Great for parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting.
• Customizable – Decorate with your favorite holiday colors and themes.

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

For the cookie bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)

For the buttercream frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or holiday decorations

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Make the cookie dough:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Bake the cookie bars:
   Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely in the pan.
4. Make the buttercream frosting:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
5. Frost and decorate:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Decorate with sprinkles, holiday-themed designs, or colored frosting.
6. Cut and serve:
   Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate twist: Add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate cookie bars.
• Citrus flavor: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough or frosting.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free milk.
• Different frosting: Use cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze instead of buttercream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought frosting?
  Yes, store-bought frosting works perfectly if you’re short on time.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, the bars can be baked and frosted a day in advance.
• What can I use instead of almond extract?
  You can omit it or use more vanilla extract.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Can I make these vegan?
  Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and dairy-free milk.
• What can I serve with these bars?
  Enjoy them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.

Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their soft, chewy texture, creamy frosting, and colorful decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer. Enjoy!

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