When the holiday season rolls around, nothing beats the joy of baking something simple yet utterly delicious. These Christmas sugar cookie bars bring the classic holiday cookie flavor in an easy-to-make bar form that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to delight everyone.
Christmas sugar cookie bars are a fantastic twist on traditional cookies, combining the chewy, buttery goodness with festive sprinkles to brighten any celebration. You’ll love how quick they come together, making your holiday baking stress-free and joyful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Perfectly chewy and soft texture that holds together well as bars.
- Customizable with your favorite holiday sprinkles or frosting.
- Great for making ahead and easy to transport to holiday events.
- A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to bake your delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup rainbow holiday sprinkles
- Optional: ¼ cup colored sugar or additional sprinkles for topping
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: Approximately 210 per serving
How to Make Best Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Homemade Holiday Treats to Delight Everyone!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—don’t overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in the holiday sprinkles gently to distribute throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra colored sugar or sprinkles on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out with the parchment paper and slicing into 16 squares.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth mixing and a tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; this keeps the bars soft, not tough.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Customize sprinkles and toppings to match your holiday theme for a festive touch.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Storage and Reheating
Store your Christmas sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration is fine but may slightly firm up the bars.
To enjoy warm bars, reheat a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you have leftovers, these bars freeze well—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-salting your cookie bars.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or an equal amount of buttermilk to maintain the moistness and tenderness of the bars.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup the same and ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How do I keep the sprinkles from bleeding color?
Using high-quality, natural sprinkles helps prevent color bleeding. Add them gently and avoid overmixing the batter after folding them in.
