The moment you take a bite of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll understand why they’ve become a cherished staple in so many holiday kitchens. Each soft, buttery bar is topped with a billowy layer of vanilla frosting and a flurry of festive sprinkles, making every square a taste of pure Christmas magic. They deliver all the nostalgia of classic sugar cookies, but with none of the rolling or cutting fuss—just quick, easy, and utterly irresistible results every time.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such a simple set of pantry staples can come together to create something so magical! Each ingredient here does its part, building rich flavor, tender texture, and those beautiful pops of holiday color that make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a crowd favorite.

Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures melt-in-your-mouth richness in both the bars and the frosting.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweet, classic cookie flavor that’s perfectly balanced.
Large egg: Binds everything together for structure and chew.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars and frosting with warm bakery notes.
Almond extract (optional): Adds a hint of nutty, festive undertone—just a touch elevates the flavor!
All-purpose flour: The foundation for soft yet sturdy cookie bars.
Baking powder: Gives just the right lift for that soft, cake-like bite.
Salt: Rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the wonderful flavors.
Powdered sugar: Creates a super smooth and fluffy vanilla frosting.
Milk: Loosens up the frosting for a creamy, spreadable finish.
Food coloring (optional): Brings holiday cheer—think reds, greens, or even a blend for a winter wonderland look.
Holiday sprinkles: The finishing touch for instant festive flair and crunch.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or a light coating of nonstick spray. The parchment makes it a total breeze to lift out and slice your bars—no sticking, just clean edges and easy clean-up!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This isn’t just about mixing—the creaming process adds air, setting the stage for those irresistibly soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and the almond extract if you’re using it. Blend until everything is smooth and well-combined. The extracts are what turn this from an everyday cookie into something truly celebratory.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Add the dry mixture to the wet a bit at a time, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms—don’t overmix, or the bars can get tough!

Step 5: Press and Bake

Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish, taking care to get the corners. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. The secret is not to overbake—these bars are meant to be soft and tender, not crisp.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool in the pan. This patience is crucial! Frosting warm bars leads to a melty mess, so let them come all the way down to room temperature before moving on.

Step 7: Make and Tint the Frosting

While the bars cool, beat the butter for the frosting until it’s creamy. Gradually work in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until a fluffy, spreadable frosting comes together. If you want colored Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, now’s your chance to add a drop or two of food coloring—go as vibrant as your holiday spirit desires!

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Slather the frosting over the cooled bars in a thick, luscious layer—spread right to the edges! Shower with holiday sprinkles to create instant festive appeal. Let the frosting set a bit before slicing into neat, irresistible squares.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Don’t be shy when it comes to toppings! Beyond sprinkles, you can add a dusting of edible glitter, miniature holiday candies, or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate. The more festive, the better—these bars are made to sparkle on the dessert table.

Side Dishes

Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with mugs of hot cocoa, fresh-brewed coffee, or a chilled glass of milk for an unbeatable nostalgic combination. They pair beautifully with other holiday favorites, like spiced nuts, candied oranges, or peppermint bark.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars in a pyramid on a cake stand for major wow factor, or wrap individual squares in cello bags and tie with ribbon for delightful edible gifts. You can even cut them into holiday shapes with cookie cutters after frosted for extra-special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to three days—handy when you want to keep the festive spirit (and snacking) going.

Freezing

These bars are wonderfully freezer-friendly! Once they’re cooled and frosted (with sprinkles!), arrange them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

While there’s no need to reheat these bars, if you love a barely-warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop an unwrapped bar in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds. The frosting will get a touch melty and the cookie will be soft as if freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars without almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract is entirely optional and can be left out if you prefer or if you have allergies, but I love how just a dash boosts the holiday flavor.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Yes, if you’re pressed for time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought frosting for these bars. However, homemade is extra creamy and really makes the bars special!

How do I keep the bars from drying out?

Be sure not to overbake—the edges should be just set and lightly golden. And always store leftovers in a tightly sealed container to lock in moisture and keep every bite soft.

Can I make these for other holidays?

Definitely! Swap out the colors of the frosting and sprinkles to match any celebration—these bars are the ultimate adaptable, all-year treat.

Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars kid-friendly?

These bars are perfect for kids to help decorate, and they love eating them too. The bright colors and soft texture make them a hands-down favorite for little hands and big holiday appetites alike!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to spread cheer and create lasting holiday memories, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re easy, colorful, and absolutely crowd-pleasing—so mix up a batch, share them with friends and family, and get ready for plenty of smiles!