The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season, look no further! The best Christmas sugar cookie bars are not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. They have a soft, chewy texture and a sweet flavor that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. These bars are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how adaptable it is. You can make these bars ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Plus, kids love to help decorate them with sprinkles, making it a fun family activity during this busy season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these sugar cookie bars fit perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet taste and festive colors. They’re great for parties or cozy movie nights.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for those last-minute holiday gatherings!
• Customizable Fun: The recipe allows for different toppings, so feel free to get creative with flavors and decorations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to make these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars!

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar

For Decoration

• Christmas sprinkles

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Some Zest: Try adding the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Swirl in some melted chocolate or add chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Goodness: Chop up some nuts like pecans or walnuts and fold them into the batter for added crunch.
• Flavorful Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or coconut for an exciting flavor profile.

How to Make The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because it ensures even baking throughout your cookie bars. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easy to lift out your delicious bars once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Cream these ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. This process adds air into the mixture which helps create that lovely light texture in your cookie bars.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in the baking powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your bars soft!

Step 5: Spread Into Pan

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Smooth out the top so they bake uniformly.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your bars cool down, prepare your frosting by mixing softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. This creamy frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness!

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting over your sugar cookie bars. Finally, sprinkle on those festive Christmas sprinkles!

Now you’re all set with The best Christmas sugar cookie bars! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends—and watch how quickly they disappear!

Pro Tips for Making The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Creating the perfect batch of Christmas sugar cookie bars is easier than you think, especially with these handy tips!

• Use room temperature butter – Softened butter blends more easily with sugars, ensuring a smooth batter and a delightful texture in your bars.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for that soft, chewy finish everyone loves.
• Chill the dough if needed – If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to spread in the pan and help maintain its shape during baking.
• Check for doneness carefully – Ovens vary, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
• Let them cool completely before frosting – Allowing your bars to cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt off and gives you that beautiful finish. Plus, it makes cutting them into perfect squares a breeze!

How to Serve The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Presenting your Christmas sugar cookie bars beautifully can transform them from a simple dessert into a festive centerpiece! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Christmas sprinkles – A sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles adds festive cheer and makes each bar look extra special.
• Crushed candy canes – Adding crushed candy canes on top gives not only a lovely look but also a delightful minty crunch that complements the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delicious contrast to the warm, soft cookie bars, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Hot cocoa or spiced cider – Serving these treats with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced cider adds coziness and richness, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light, zesty contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars, balancing out flavors perfectly.
• Cheese platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide an interesting savory contrast to the sweet cookie bars – this pairing is sure to surprise and delight your guests!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your disposal, get ready to bake up some holiday magic with these delicious sugar cookie bars! Enjoy every bite with family and friends this festive season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These festive Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to keep your delicious treats fresh!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cookie bars into squares before freezing.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookie bars on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh sprinkles on top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the best Christmas sugar cookie bars that may help clarify any uncertainties!

How do I know if I made The best Christmas sugar cookie bars correctly?

You can tell your sugar cookie bars are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. The aroma should be delightful, filling your kitchen with holiday cheer!

Can I customize The best Christmas sugar cookie bars with different flavors?

Absolutely! You can personalize these cookie bars by adding citrus zest, swapping almond extract for peppermint, or incorporating chocolate chips. Experimenting can lead you to find your own special variation!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky when making Christmas sugar cookie bars?

If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with. Adding a small amount of flour could also help manage stickiness without compromising texture.

Can I use gluten-free flour for The best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a celebration of togetherness and joy during the holiday season. Bake a batch, share them with friends and family, and savor every bite! Happy baking!