Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: A Sweet Holiday Treat
The holiday season is a time for indulgence, laughter, and sharing special moments with loved ones. One dessert that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit is Christmas sugar cookie bars. These sweet, colorful, and easy-to-make bars are a simplified version of the classic sugar cookie. They allow you to enjoy the buttery, sugary goodness without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these delightful bars a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Why Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Are a Holiday Must-Have
Sugar cookies are a holiday staple, but they can be time-intensive to prepare. That’s where sugar cookie bars shine! They deliver all the flavor of traditional sugar cookies but with far less effort. You’ll love how versatile they are—ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a cozy snack paired with hot cocoa.
For inspiration on holiday baking traditions, consider pairing these bars with a warm Traditional German Christmas Dinner.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Before diving into the process, let’s ensure you have all the ingredients you need. These bars are made with simple pantry staples, making them an easy go-to recipe.
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles for a festive touch
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a nutty flavor)
- Food coloring (red, green, or other festive colors)
- Decorative toppings: sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy pieces
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These bars come together in three simple steps: preparing the dough, baking, and decorating. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, fold in colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
2. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Spread the dough evenly in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie base to cool completely before applying frosting.
3. Decorate
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls if using multiple colors. Tint each portion with food coloring.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie base and top with decorative sprinkles or edible glitter.
For more decorating tips, explore Festive No-Bake Christmas Cookies.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
Texture Tips
- Chewy Bars: Avoid overbaking; the edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft.
- Moist Dough: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt for extra moisture.
Decoration Ideas
- Create a snowflake pattern with white frosting and edible pearls.
- Use crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Creative Variations for Every Palate
These sugar cookie bars are versatile and can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference:
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a layer of melted white or dark chocolate between the cookie base and frosting.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Layered Bars: Spread a thin layer of jam or Nutella before frosting for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve and Store
Serving Suggestions
Cut the bars into even squares or rectangles and arrange them on a festive platter. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a holiday punch.
Storage
- Short-Term: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Long-Term: Freeze the cookie base (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookie base and freeze it. Frost and decorate the bars just before serving.
What’s the best way to prevent dry bars?
Accurately measure your ingredients and avoid overbaking. Room-temperature eggs and butter also help maintain moisture.
Are there healthier alternatives for this recipe?
Consider reducing the sugar in the dough or using whole wheat flour for added fiber. Low-fat cream cheese can also be used in the frosting for a lighter option.
Bringing It All Together
Christmas sugar cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat for busy bakers who want a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and festive appearance make them a favorite for all ages. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own creative spin, these bars are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
For even more holiday inspiration, explore these Holiday Cookie Trends for 2024.
Happy baking and enjoy the sweetness of the season!