Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season! Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars topped with rich, creamy frosting and sprinkles make for an easy-to-make yet delightful dessert. Unlike traditional cut-out sugar cookies, these bars save time while still delivering all the delicious flavors of a classic sugar cookie.

I first made these bars for a holiday party when I needed a quick yet impressive dessert. They turned out to be a huge hit, and now they are a staple in my Christmas baking list. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for a gathering, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookie bars are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting dough, just press into a pan and bake.
Soft and Chewy – The perfect texture for sugar cookie lovers.
Festive and Customizable – Change up the frosting color and sprinkles for any holiday theme.
Great for Sharing – A perfect addition to cookie platters and gift boxes.

Ingredients Notes

For the Cookie Bars:

Butter – Use unsalted butter for better control of salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar – Provides the right level of sweetness.
Eggs – Helps bind the dough together and adds moisture.
Vanilla and Almond Extract – Enhances the flavor of the sugar cookie base.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookie bars.
Baking Powder – Ensures the bars rise slightly while baking.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.

For the Frosting:

Butter – The base of a rich, creamy frosting.
Powdered Sugar – Provides smooth texture and sweetness.
Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor.
Food Coloring – Optional, for festive colors.
Sprinkles – Adds a decorative and fun touch.

How To Make These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is an easy and fun way to prepare a festive treat that’s soft, buttery, and full of holiday flavor. This step-by-step guide ensures you get perfectly baked, chewy cookie bars topped with smooth, sweet frosting.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredient

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Bars:

Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies become light and fluffy.
Eggs (2 large) – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the classic sugar cookie flavor.
Almond Extract (1 teaspoon, optional) – Adds a hint of nuttiness, making the bars taste even more festive.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups) – Forms the base of the dough, creating structure.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookie bars rise and stay soft.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Frosting:

Butter (½ cup, softened) – Creates a creamy and smooth frosting.
Powdered Sugar (2 ½ cups) – Adds sweetness and gives the frosting a light texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Infuses warmth and depth into the frosting.
Milk (2-3 tablespoons) – Helps adjust the frosting’s consistency.
Food Coloring (red and green, optional) – Makes the frosting festive.
Holiday Sprinkles (for decoration) – Adds a colorful and cheerful touch.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat Your Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a tender cookie texture.
Add Eggs and Extracts – Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and almond extract for added flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick and soft.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the Dough in the Pan – Using a spatula or your hands, press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake the Bars – Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should be set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy.
Cool Completely – Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for 30-45 minutes before adding the frosting. If they’re too warm, the frosting will melt.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the Butter – In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla – Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Adjust the Consistency – Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Add Food Coloring (Optional) – Divide the frosting into bowls and mix in a few drops of red and green food coloring for a festive look.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Frost the Cooled Cookie Bars – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
Add Sprinkles – Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top for a fun, festive touch.
Cut into Squares – Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 12-16 pieces.
Serve and Enjoy – These bars are ready to be enjoyed immediately or stored for later!

Storage Options

Proper storage ensures that your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh, soft, and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you’re making them ahead of time for a holiday gathering or saving leftovers, here’s how to store them effectively:

1. Storing at Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

If you plan to enjoy these cookie bars within 2-3 days, storing them at room temperature is the best option. Here’s how:

Use an Airtight Container – Place the bars in a single layer inside an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Keep in a Cool, Dry Place – Store the container in a cool area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (like the oven or stove), as this can cause the frosting to melt.
Avoid Refrigeration (for Short-Term) – Storing frosted sugar cookie bars in the fridge can sometimes dry them out, making them lose their soft and chewy texture. If they are unfrosted, refrigeration is less of an issue.

2. Refrigerating for Extended Freshness

If you need to keep your sugar cookie bars fresh for up to a week, the refrigerator is a good option:

Use a Sealed Container – Like with room temperature storage, place them in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper if needed.
Let Them Sit Before Serving – Chilling can make the bars firmer. Before eating, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften and bring out their flavors.
Be Mindful of Odors – Sugar cookies can absorb strong fridge odors (like garlic or onions), so store them separately or use a container with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you want to make them ahead of time or store leftover bars for future enjoyment, freezing is the best method. These bars freeze well for up to 3 months with the right steps:

Freezing Unfrosted Cookie Bars

Cool Completely – Ensure the cookie bars are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
Wrap Tightly – Wrap each bar or the entire slab in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection.
Store in a Freezer-Safe Bag or Container – Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label with Date – Write the freezing date on the container so you can track freshness.

Freezing Frosted Cookie Bars

If you’re freezing already frosted cookie bars:

Flash Freeze First – Arrange the frosted bars on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until the frosting is firm.
Wrap Individually – Once frozen, wrap each bar in plastic wrap to prevent smudging.
Store in a Freezer-Safe Container – Place wrapped bars in a container or a zip-top freezer bag, layering parchment paper between them.

4. Thawing and Reheating

When ready to enjoy your frozen cookie bars:

For Unfrosted Bars – Let them thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
For Frosted Bars – Transfer them from the freezer to the fridge for a few hours, then bring them to room temperature before serving.
For a Freshly-Baked Feel – Warm unfrosted bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Final Tips for Best Storage Results

✔️ Always store sugar cookie bars in airtight containers to maintain moisture.
✔️ Keep them away from humidity to prevent sogginess.
✔️ Layer with parchment paper if stacking bars to keep frosting intact.
✔️ For gifting, individually wrap bars in festive cellophane bags for a cute holiday treat!

Variations and Substitutions

Different Extracts – Try peppermint or lemon extract instead of almond for a new twist.
Frosting Alternatives – Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make them allergy-friendly.
Holiday Themes – Customize with different colors and sprinkles for other occasions like Valentine’s Day or Easter.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy way to bring holiday cheer to your dessert table. With their soft, chewy texture, rich frosting, and festive decorations, they’re a must-have treat for the season. Whether for gifting, parties, or just indulging at home, these bars are sure to become a holiday favorite. Try them this season and spread the sweetness!