The holiday season brings a wave of joy, and nothing embodies that spirit like Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These delightful treats are not only beautiful to look at, but they also pack a delicious punch of sweetness that everyone will love. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bar topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles—it’s like holding a piece of holiday magic in your hand. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these sugar cookie bars are bound to become a tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.
Why We Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic twist on the classic sugar cookie. They are easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch without stressing over intricate cookie decorating skills. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tray of scrumptious bars that can serve a crowd. The bright red and green sprinkles add a festive touch that makes them perfect for celebrating the season. Plus, you can customize the frosting and toppings to fit your personal taste or holiday theme, making them versatile for any festive occasion. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or neighbors, these bars are sure to spread holiday cheer!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To create your own batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons red and green jimmy sprinkles
For the frosting, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons, softened
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create these mouthwatering cookie bars.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly.
- Prepare the pan: Use cooking spray to grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent your cookie bars from sticking and make it easier to cut them later.
- Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Cream them together for about three minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the baking powder and salt to the bowl, mixing until just combined. Gradually introduce the all-purpose flour, mixing softly until you have a smooth dough.
- Add the sprinkles: Gently fold in the 3 tablespoons of red and green sprinkles, which will give your bars that festive look.
- Spread the dough: Using a spatula or your hands, evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s level for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place your pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Be cautious not to overbake; you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.
- Cool completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: While your bars are cooling, you can make the frosting. In a stand mixer (or a large bowl using beaters), whip the butter for about two minutes until it becomes creamy and lighter in color.
- Blend in the sugars: Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Pour in the heavy cream or milk, starting with three tablespoons and adding more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Whip the frosting: Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This will give you a smooth and fluffy frosting.
- Finish the bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Generously sprinkle additional sprinkles on top to make them even more festive.
- Cut and serve: For neat lines, place the pan in the freezer for about five minutes before cutting, or in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Cut into 24 pieces, serve, and enjoy the festive delights!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Serving Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a fun and easy process! These cookie bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. You can showcase them on a festive platter during holiday parties or wrap them individually as thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or coworkers. Pair them with a cup of hot chocolate or a warm cup of tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
To elevate your dessert table, consider layering them with other holiday sweets, such as brownies, festive cakes, or even fruit. Presenting an array of colorful treats will make your gathering feel even more special. Don’t forget to snap a few pictures to remember how deliciously festive this treat looks and to share the joy of baking and sharing these sweet delights!
Expert Tips: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
If you want to take your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars to the next level, here are some expert tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This allows for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: When it comes to mixing in your flour, do it gently and just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Customize your sprinkles: Feel free to switch up the sprinkles based on your personal preference or the colors of your holiday decorations. You can even use themed sprinkles for different occasions throughout the year.
- Frost after cooling: Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting. If you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and won’t hold its shape.
- Freezer tips: If you’re making these ahead of time, the uncut bars can be frozen for up to two months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a week of baking, but stored properly, they can last for up to ten days. If you’re saving some for later, consider separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to enjoy them baked ahead for future occasions, freeze them uncut to keep their softness intact.
Variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
While the classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are delightful, there are many ways to switch things up to suit your taste or make them even more festive!
- Chocolate chip version: Add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist.
- Peppermint flavor: Dust the frosting with crushed peppermint candies or try adding peppermint extract to the batter.
- Lemon zest: For a refreshing flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the batter. This adds a delightful brightness to the sweetness.
- Nutty addition: Incorporate some finely chopped nuts into the dough. Pecans or walnuts complement the sweetness wonderfully.
- Different frosting: Experiment with flavored frostings like almond or cream cheese frosting for a robust alternative to the classic buttercream.
FAQ
What makes Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars special?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are beloved because they combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar format. They are perfect for gatherings, allowing you to serve many people with minimal effort. With their festive appearance and delicious taste, they are sure to delight all ages.
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookie bars gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
How can I change the flavor of the frosting?
You can easily customize the frosting by adding different extracts, such as almond or peppermint. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting or incorporate cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
Can I freeze Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can freeze your baked but uncut cookie bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature and cut into squares.
How do I achieve the best texture for my cookie bars?
To achieve soft and chewy cookie bars, be sure not to overbake them. Keeping a close watch on the baking time can help get the perfect texture. For an even better result, try chilling the dough before baking.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the cookie bars
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened Room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons red and green jimmy sprinkles
For the frosting
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons, softened Room temperature
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk) Adjust for desired consistency
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Cream for about three minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until smooth.
- Add the baking powder and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Fold in the red and green sprinkles.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until slightly golden but soft and chewy.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a stand mixer, whip the butter until creamy for about two minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing in the vanilla extract, followed by the heavy cream or milk.
- Beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars and top with additional sprinkles.
Serving
- For neat cuts, chill the bars in the freezer for five minutes before cutting them into 24 pieces.
- Serve and enjoy!
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