Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy, and ideal for holiday gatherings. They feature a tender cookie base topped with creamy buttercream and festive sprinkles. Easier than rolling and cutting cookies, the bars slice neatly and deliver the same classic sugar-cookie flavor in every bite.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

Sugar Cookie Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons Christmas nonpareil sprinkles (red, green, and white)

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream
• Christmas nonpareil sprinkles (red, green, and white) for topping

Substitutions and Additions

Sprinkles: Use any color or style of sprinkles to match the occasion.

Frosting: Canned frosting can be used as a shortcut if you prefer.

Chocolate chips: Stir in semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate chips for extra pockets of sweetness.

Food coloring: Tint the frosting with a few drops of food coloring for a festive look.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Preheat: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 baking dish with a parchment paper sling and spray lightly with baking spray. The parchment sling makes removing the bars easier but is optional.
2. Dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a small bowl. Cornstarch keeps the bars extra soft.
3. Cream butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on high for 1 minute with a handheld mixer.
4. Add sugar and extracts: Add granulated sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs: Reduce speed to low and add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Add dry mixture: Increase to medium-low and add the flour mixture a cup at a time, mixing just until combined.
7. Stir in sprinkles: Fold in the nonpareil sprinkles until evenly distributed.
8. Bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake 20–22 minutes, until the top is just golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Start checking at the lower end of the time, as ovens vary.
9. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before removing.

Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter and extracts: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter with clear vanilla and almond extract on medium-high for 1 minute.
2. Add sugar and cream: Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream. When combined, increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Assemble: When the cookie bars are fully cooled, lift them from the pan using the parchment sling. Spread the buttercream evenly with a silicone or offset spatula.
4. Finish: Sprinkle additional holiday nonpareils over the frosting and slice into roughly 1 1/2 by 3-inch bars.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These colorful bars are ideal for holiday parties, cookie trays, or as a special gift. Serve with hot chocolate, eggnog, or a glass of cold milk. They travel well and add a festive touch to any dessert spread.

Storage

Counter: Store frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 6 days.

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and slicing.

These sugar cookie bars combine a tender, buttery base with thick buttercream and cheerful sprinkles. They provide a simple, festive alternative to decorated cut-out cookies and are sure to become a holiday favorite.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you store frosted sugar cookie bars?

Place frosted bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How do I freeze sugar cookie bars?

Freeze the unfrosted base wrapped well for up to one month. Thaw before frosting.

What holidays can I make these for?

Change sprinkles and frosting color to suit any holiday—red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, etc.

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• Soft Sugar Cookies
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• Peanut Butter Dream Bars
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