There’s something magical about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that draws you in the moment they come out of the oven. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery square topped with festive sprinkles, oozing with holiday spirit and sweet nostalgia. festive Grinch sugar cookies The aroma wafts through your home, making it smell like winter wonderland and tempting everyone to gather around the kitchen. red velvet thumbprint cookies Christmas fruitcake cookies peppermint swirl cookies. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
These delightful bars are not just a treat; they encapsulate the joy of holiday baking, family gatherings, and the laughter shared over a plate of sweets. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them with loved ones on a cozy evening, these cookie bars promise to deliver smiles and warm memories. For more inspiration, check out this raspberry cheesecake bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for your busy holiday schedule
- They burst with sweet vanilla flavor and bright colors that make them visually irresistible
- Their chewy texture offers a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more
- Plus, feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors based on your preference!
I still remember the first time I made these bars. My kids’ eyes lit up as they took their first bite—their giggles filled the house when we started decorating them like little masterpieces.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple for cookie bars; it provides structure without being too heavy.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar offers sweetness; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for added moisture.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for better binding of ingredients and richer flavor.
- Baking Powder: This is essential for that lovely puffiness in your cookie bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to each bite.
- Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles bring color and cheer—don’t skip this fun part!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your bars.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. You want it to be airy for that perfect texture!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Drizzle in the vanilla extract; it should smell heavenly by now!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet batter. Stir gently until fully incorporated—be careful not to overmix; we want those soft bars!
Add Sprinkles!: Fold in half of your colorful sprinkles into the dough. Now’s when you can really get creative if you’re feeling adventurous—add chocolate chips or nuts too!
Bake Time!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining decorations on top before sliding it into the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy this delightful treat while reminiscing about all those wonderful holiday moments!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday flavors
- They make for a delightful treat that’s perfect for your festive gatherings
- Their vibrant colors and aromas will fill your home with the spirit of the season, making every bite a celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugar before combining them. This order ensures even distribution of flavors and perfect texture throughout your cookie bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond extract or add festive sprinkles to personalize your bars. You can also use different flavored extracts to create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These cookie bars are best served fresh but can be frozen for later enjoyment
- Just ensure they cool completely before wrapping
- Don’t skip chilling the dough as it enhances the flavor and texture immensely
- Make sure to measure flour correctly to avoid dense bars!
Creating these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars always brings back fond memories of bustling kitchens filled with laughter and sweet aromas during the holiday season.
FAQ
What is the best way to decorate Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Consider using colorful icing or festive sprinkles to enhance their holiday appeal.
Can I substitute ingredients in Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter if needed.
How do I know when my sugar cookie bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft; they will firm up as they cool.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining soft, buttery goodness with festive sprinkles for a joyful bite. These easy-to-make bars capture the essence of Christmas baking, filling your home with delightful aromas and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Fold in half of the sprinkles.
- Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle remaining sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Customize your bars by adding chocolate chips or nuts. For storage, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for longer preservation.
