Introduction to Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of sweet treats that bring joy to my family. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are just the ticket! They’re not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect solution for busy days filled with holiday chaos. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these festive bars, topped with colorful sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. They come together in just 40 minutes, making them a quick treat for any holiday gathering. The soft, chewy texture paired with sweet frosting is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, so you can spread the holiday cheer without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie bars, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This sugar gives the bars their delightful sweetness and helps them brown beautifully.
- Large egg: The egg binds everything together, ensuring your bars hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Almond extract: This optional ingredient adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Frosting: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade frosting to top these bars. It’s the icing on the cake—literally!
- Sprinkles: These are a fun way to add a festive touch. Choose colors that match your holiday theme for extra cheer!
For those who want to get creative, feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra flavor boost. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious bars in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it lightly. You can use butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that soft texture in your cookie bars!
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix everything together until well combined. The batter should look smooth and creamy, with a lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. It’s a small but important detail that ensures your cookie bars rise perfectly!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want to combine them until just mixed—overmixing can lead to tough bars. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Once your dough is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. The aroma will fill your home, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 7: Cool and Frost
After baking, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cooled, it’s time for the fun part—frosting! Spread your favorite frosting over the top and sprinkle with festive decorations. Cut into squares, and they’re ready to serve!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the frosting set perfectly.
- Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly in the pan.
- Experiment with different frosting flavors for a unique twist.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: A standard size for these bars; you can also use a glass dish.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar; a whisk works too!
- Spatula: Essential for spreading the dough and frosting evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist on the classic flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
- Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frosting flavors like cream cheese or peppermint for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a festive fruit platter for a refreshing contrast.
- For a holiday gathering, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with colorful napkins.
- Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
As I’ve shared this recipe with friends and family, I’ve noticed a few common questions pop up. Here are some FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that might help you on your baking journey!
Can I make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them right before serving for the best taste and presentation.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing, feel free to skip it or substitute it with an extra splash of vanilla extract. It will still taste delightful!
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
<pYes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This helps prevent the frosting from sticking to the knife, giving you those perfect squares!
Final Thoughts
Making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The joy of mixing ingredients, the delightful aroma wafting through your home, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they enjoy these treats are priceless. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these bars bring warmth and cheer to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your family, and let the holiday spirit shine through your baking. Trust me, these bars will become a beloved tradition in your home!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that Everyone Will Love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas sugar cookie bars that are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup frosting (for topping)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Spread frosting over the cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles that match the holiday theme.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
