“Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that captures everything you adore about traditional sugar cookies but with way less fuss. Imagine a buttery, soft, sweet bar bursting with holiday sprinkles, topped with a luscious vanilla frosting that’s utterly irresistible. These bars bake in one pan, making them your go-to solution for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy night in. If you love classic sugar cookies but dread all the rolling and cutting, this recipe is a game-changer you’ll want to keep on repeat every season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending richness, tenderness, or that perfect festive touch. You’re working with pantry staples that come together effortlessly to create a treat that looks and tastes like holiday magic.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): The base for a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and incredible softness to the bars.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances perfectly with the buttery base.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough together for that tender crumb.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Adds extra richness and moisture to the bars.
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit.
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional): A delightful hint of nuttiness that elevates the taste.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Gives structure and ensures the bars hold together perfectly.
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch: Keeps the texture tender and delicate.
• ¾ tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift for soft, fluffy bars.
• 1/2 tsp fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1/8 tsp baking soda: Helps with gentle leavening and texture.
• 1/8 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, plus more for garnish): The colorful sprinkle magic that makes the bars festive and fun.
• For the Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Creates the creamy, dreamy base for the frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with classic vanilla aroma.
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional): Adds a whisper of almond flavor to frosting.
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste): Cuts sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Provides a smooth, sweet frosting texture.
• 1 ½ Tbsp heavy cream (room temperature; add more as needed): Makes the frosting silky and spreadable.
• Food coloring (optional): Perfect if you want to add an extra splash of holiday cheer.
• Additional Christmas sprinkles (for decorating): To finish with that festive sparkle on top.

How to Make “Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars”

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Grab a 9×13-inch pan, spray it with non-stick cooking spray, and then line it with parchment paper. This little trick helps the parchment stay put when you spread the cookie bar dough later, making clean-up a breeze and ensuring your bars come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar on medium speed. Keep going for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and dreamy. This step is key for achieving that soft texture and slightly sweet base everyone loves in Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat until everything is smooth, shiny, and fully combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure no delicious bits are left behind — your bars deserve the best!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. This blend ensures a tender bite with just the right amount of rise. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so take it easy!

Step 5: Add the Christmas Sprinkles

Fold in the Christmas sprinkles gently to avoid bleeding colors into the dough. These festive bits add cheerful pops of color and a touch of crunch, instantly boosting the holiday vibe of your cookie bars.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake at 325°F for about 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack — patience here will make frosting much easier.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), salt, and powdered sugar together. Add the heavy cream a little at a time until you get a smooth, spreadable texture. If you want, add festive food coloring now to match your holiday spirit.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the bars. Sprinkle extra Christmas sprinkles on top for that irresistible finishing touch. Chill briefly if needed to set the frosting before slicing into 24 delicious squares ready to be devoured.

How to Serve “Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars”

Garnishes

To make your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars even more festive, top them with a generous scattering of colorful holiday sprinkles or edible glitter. You can also play with crushed candy canes or small edible pearls for a textured, sparkling effect that’s sure to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

These bars shine on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or creamy eggnog makes the holiday experience complete. A side of fresh berries or a light fruit salad also offers a refreshing balance to the buttery richness of the cookie bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with red and green ribbon makes for charming edible gifts. For a crowd-pleasing dessert table, stack bars with small holiday-themed toppers to delight every sweet tooth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Storing them this way preserves their soft, tender texture and keeps the frosting luscious and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is okay but may firm the frosting up.

Freezing

Want these bars ready for next holiday season? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying to preserve their perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds per square. This softens the frosting and releases delightful aromas. Avoid overheating to keep the bars from becoming too soft or melting.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, but expect slight differences in texture and flavor. Be sure to choose products that are firm and spreadable for best results.

Do I have to use both extracts?

Nope! Vanilla extract is essential for the classic flavor, but almond extract is totally optional. It adds a lovely nutty note but can be left out if you prefer a simpler taste.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color?

Use jimmies or non-pareils instead of colored sugar that dissolves easily. Gently fold the sprinkles into the dough at the end to avoid bleeding colors or turning the dough pink.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9×13 pans. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes depending on thickness.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a total holiday winner—quick, easy, and packed with all the nostalgic flavors we adore. They save time without skimping on that classic sugar cookie taste and look downright cheerful on any dessert table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create many joyful memories nibbling on these buttery, frosted delights with friends and family!