Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, a perfect holiday treat featuring a soft, buttery base topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars bring classic sugar cookie flavors in a convenient bar form, ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- More holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough without overmixing.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to create festive hues.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars perfect for holiday celebrations.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use parchment paper to make removing and cutting bars easier.
- Customize frosting colors with your favorite holiday-themed food coloring.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cookie dough.
