Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies, made easier and more festive. Instead of rolling, cutting, and baking individual cookies, the dough is baked in one pan and topped with a smooth, creamy frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. The result is a soft, buttery cookie base with tender centers and just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for Christmas gatherings and cookie platters.
I love making these bars during the busy holiday season because they save time without sacrificing flavor or presentation. They are thick, chewy, and stay soft for days, which makes them ideal for make-ahead baking. I tested these with different frosting thicknesses, and a generous layer always wins. Whether you are baking with family, gifting treats, or preparing desserts for a party, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are dependable, festive, and always a hit.
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Soft Centers and Festive Frosting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Christmas sugar cookie bars topped with festive frosting and holiday sprinkles, perfect for parties, cookie trays, and gifting.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Red and green sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow bars to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep bars soft.
- Use gel food coloring to tint frosting if desired.
- Bars store well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour forms the structure of the bars, keeping them soft while sturdy enough to slice cleanly.
Baking powder
Baking powder gives the bars a light lift and prevents them from feeling dense.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Unsalted butter
Butter provides richness and creates the classic sugar cookie taste and texture.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create soft, tender bars.
Eggs
Eggs bind the dough and contribute to a chewy, moist interior.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, essential for classic sugar cookie flavor.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is used for the frosting, creating a smooth and creamy finish.
Milk or cream
Milk or cream loosens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Holiday sprinkles
Sprinkles add festive color and make the bars perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, beat the powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth and spreadable. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and decorate with holiday sprinkles. Once set, lift out and slice into squares.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 to 20 bars.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 25 minutes, and cooling plus frosting time is 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to five days. Allow refrigerated bars to come to room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary.
Variations and Customizations
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are easy to customize for different holiday themes. You can tint the frosting with food coloring for a festive look or divide it into portions for multi-colored designs. Adding almond extract alongside vanilla gives a classic bakery-style flavor.
For a richer version, use cream cheese frosting instead of a simple sugar glaze. You can also mix white chocolate chips or festive sprinkles directly into the dough for extra texture.
If you prefer thinner bars, use a larger pan and reduce baking time slightly. No matter how you customize them, the soft sugar cookie base remains the star.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These bars are a sweet holiday treat meant for enjoyment in moderation. They contain dairy, eggs, and gluten. Gluten-free flour blends can be used, though texture may vary slightly.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overbake
Remove the bars when the center is just set to keep them soft.
Even frosting
Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
Clean slices
Chill briefly before cutting for neat, sharp edges.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for making one to two days in advance.
Can I freeze Christmas sugar cookie bars?
Yes, freeze unfrosted bars for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A standard 9×13-inch pan is ideal.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade frosting tastes fresher.
Are these bars chewy or crisp?
They are soft and chewy with tender centers.
Can I add sprinkles to the batter?
Yes, fold them in gently before baking.
How do I keep them soft?
Store them tightly sealed and avoid overbaking.
Can I use almond extract?
Yes, it adds a classic sugar cookie flavor.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they transport well and stay soft.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, this is a very kid-friendly recipe.
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, time-saving alternative to traditional holiday cookies. With their soft texture, buttery flavor, and colorful frosting, they are perfect for parties, gifting, and cozy holiday baking. This recipe delivers reliable results and joyful holiday flavor in every bite.
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