The holiday season is all about delicious treats, and these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect addition to your festive baking. With their soft, buttery texture and colorful sprinkles, these cookie bars bring all the fun and flavor of classic sugar cookies but with less fuss. Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe to make these sweet bars, ideal for sharing with friends, family, or bringing to your next holiday party.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
These ingredients come together to create soft, chewy bars with just the right amount of sweetness and a festive touch.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Making these cookie bars is a breeze, and you can have them ready in no time. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out once baked. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. - Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture. - Spread the Dough in the Pan
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. - Add the Sprinkles
Lightly press the sprinkles into the top of the dough for a festive touch. - Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft and slightly firm when touched. - Cool and Slice
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
There are so many reasons why these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars will be a hit at your holiday celebrations:
- No Rolling or Cutting: Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require rolling and cutting, these bars are easy to make and require no extra work.
- Soft and Chewy: These bars are soft and chewy, with the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Festive and Fun: With colorful sprinkles on top, they’re as pretty as they are tasty—perfect for the holiday season.
- Great for Gifting: They make a wonderful gift when wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a festive tin.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: While it’s not required, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for an extra soft texture.
- Even Layering: Make sure to spread the dough evenly in the pan so that the bars bake uniformly.
- Don’t Overbake: These bars are soft and chewy, so be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
FAQ for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cookie bars up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. - Can I add different toppings?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sprinkles with colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes for extra flavor and decoration. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic, simple dessert for your holiday gatherings. They’re colorful, flavorful, and require minimal effort to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or add a sweet treat to your holiday traditions, these bars are sure to be a hit. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the festive flavors of the season!