Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat, combining the classic flavors of buttery sugar cookies with a creamy vanilla frosting topped with festive sprinkles. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, these bars are easy to make and decorated to spread seasonal cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- More holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the cookie dough. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even incorporation, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen the bars.
- Spread the dough: Evenly spread the prepared cookie dough into the lined or greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired to enhance the festive look.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles to add color and texture, enhancing the festive presentation.
- Serve: Cut the frosted cookie bars into squares and serve to enjoy a delicious holiday treat perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can customize the frosting color with gel food coloring for a more vibrant look.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a softer bar, slightly underbake by a minute or two, but avoid underbaking too much to ensure proper texture.
