🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Treat You’ll Bake on Repeat 🎅

The Sweetest Way to Say “Merry Christmas”

Picture this: it’s snowing outside, your home is filled with warm lights and laughter, and the scent of vanilla and butter is drifting from your oven. What could possibly make this moment better? One bite of these soft, buttery Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – that’s what.

These bars are the holiday upgrade you didn’t know you needed. All the cozy flavors of a classic sugar cookie, but without the rolling, cutting, and fussing. Just spread, bake, frost, and slice. Oh, and did we mention how absolutely adorable they look with festive red and green layers and sprinkles on top?

Let’s dive into the magic of making them.

🍪 What Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Christmas sugar cookie bars are a clever spin on traditional cut-out sugar cookies. Instead of rolling dough into perfect shapes (and inevitably re-rolling scraps), you press the dough into a baking pan and bake it all at once like a sheet cake. Once cooled, it gets a generous layer of buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles – turning every square into a holiday showstopper.

They’re like the sugar cookie’s fun, laid-back cousin. Think thick, buttery vanilla cake meets cookie dough meets creamy frosting. All with those classic holiday colors and a texture that makes you say “just one more.”

And the best part? These bars are way less work but still feel just as special on a cookie platter.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works So Well

These bars strike the perfect balance between flavor and texture. Here’s what makes them shine:

• Butter & Sugar Combo: We use both granulated and powdered sugar for that soft crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Soft but Sturdy: These bars hold their shape for clean slicing, but still feel light and tender when you bite in.
• Flavor Boost: A touch of almond extract adds that nostalgic holiday cookie flavor. Optional, but magical.
• Easy Frosting: The simple vanilla buttercream can be dyed or left white like the version you see in the image. Either way, it’s thick, rich, and perfectly spreadable.

🥄 Ingredients Overview

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened – this matters!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional but adds that bakery touch)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk (adjust to get the right consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red & green food coloring (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles (red and green nonpareils recommended)

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need fancy baking gear – just a few reliable basics:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (for easy lift and no-stick!)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Offset spatula (for spreading frosting evenly)
• Sharp knife for slicing

Optional but helpful:

• Cookie scoop (if making minis later)
• Piping bag with star tip (if you want that piped edge like in the photo)

🎯 Baking Tips Before You Begin

Let’s talk prep, because a little love here makes all the difference.

• Room Temperature Butter = Fluffy Dough: Don’t microwave the butter! Let it sit out until it’s soft but not melting.
• Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It makes removing and slicing so much easier.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once the flour goes in, mix gently just until combined.
• Underbake Slightly: The bars continue to set as they cool. You want edges golden but the center soft.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper. Let some hang over the edges – this acts like handles later!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy – about 2–3 minutes.

Add in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet mixture. The dough will be soft and thick – perfect for pressing!

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Press the dough evenly into the pan using your hands or the back of a spatula. Try to level it out for even baking.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden. The center may look pale – that’s okay!

Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.

🍥 Making the Festive Frosting

This buttercream is rich, creamy, and spreads like a dream.

• Beat softened butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing between each addition.
• Alternate with a splash of milk until you get a spreadable texture.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Optional: Split into two bowls and tint one red, one green for layered effect (as shown in image), or keep it snowy white and pipe for texture.

🎨 Decorating Like a Pro

Here’s where the magic happens. To get the design in the image:

• Tint a small portion of frosting red and green.
• After the cookie base cools, slice it in half horizontally (carefully) and fill with alternating red and green stripes of frosting.
• Top with a layer of plain white buttercream, using a piping tip to create a swirled design.
• Sprinkle with red and green nonpareils.

It’s festive, fun, and looks like a holiday dessert straight out of a bakery window!

🔪 How to Cut Perfect Squares

• Chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes to firm them up.
• Use a long, sharp knife.
• Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
• Cut into 24 even bars or smaller bites if you’re serving a crowd.

🧾 Recipe Card Recap

Let’s wrap it up with a quick-glance version you can screenshot or print.

Ingredients

For Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red & green food coloring (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles for decoration

🎨 Customizing Your Bars

The base recipe is holiday gold, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some fun twists:

1. Flavor Add-ins:

• Crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch
• Mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness
• Citrus zest (lemon or orange) in the frosting for a refreshing tang

2. Frosting Variations:

• Swap vanilla for peppermint extract (use only ¼ tsp – it’s strong!)
• Add a drop of almond extract to the frosting for a deeper flavor
• Use cream cheese frosting if you love a tangy twist

3. Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use dairy-free milk
• Egg-Free: Try flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg)

4. Make It a Layered Cake Bar:

Want it to look exactly like the image? Do this:

• After baking and cooling, slice the cookie base horizontally with a serrated knife (or bake in two thinner layers).
• Pipe or spread a thin layer of red and green frosting between the layers before stacking.
• Top with piped white frosting and sprinkles.

Now you’ve got yourself a sugar cookie bar that looks like a fancy slice of holiday cake!

🎄 Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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• Author: Lora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Christmas Desserts / Holiday Cookie Bars

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Description

🎅 Soft, buttery, perfectly sweet, and topped with the most festive frosting ever! These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring all the holiday cheer without the hassle of rolling or cutting—just bake, frost, and slice. Pure magic! ✨🍬

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons milk (more as needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Food coloring (optional)

• Holiday sprinkles 🎉

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. (⏱️ 5 minutes)

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. (⏱️ 3 minutes)

• Add in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully combined. (⏱️ 2 minutes)

• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. (⏱️ 3 minutes)

• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. (⏱️ 2 minutes)

• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until edges turn light golden. Let cool completely before frosting. (⏱️ 20 minutes baking + 30 minutes cooling)

• For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and spreadable. Mix in vanilla and food coloring if desired. (⏱️ 5 minutes)

• Spread frosting over the cooled cookie base and finish with festive sprinkles. (⏱️ 3 minutes)

• Lift the cookie slab using the parchment paper, slice into bars, and enjoy! 🎄✨ (⏱️ 2 minutes)

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Notes

• These bars are softer and thicker than regular sugar cookies — perfect for frosting.

• Almond extract is optional but adds a classic bakery-style flavor.

• Make sure the cookie base is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.

• You can tint the frosting red, green, or keep it white with sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 bars
• Calories: 200 kcal per bar

🧊 Storing and Freezing Tips

Storage:

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
• Or refrigerate for up to 1 week (they firm up but stay moist).

Freezing:

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Pro Tip: If freezing unfrosted bars, add fresh frosting after thawing for best results.

You may like also :

Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Bars – Layers of Crunch, Caramel, and Chocolate Bliss
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – The Easiest Southern Treat You’ll Ever Make

🎁 Perfect for Gifting

These bars make thoughtful, delicious gifts – because nothing says “I love you” like homemade treats!

Holiday Gifting Ideas:

• Stack 3 bars in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a festive ribbon, and add a handwritten tag.
• Place in a holiday tin with parchment between layers.
• Make mini versions using a muffin tin or small brownie pan for bite-sized cuteness.

They’re perfect for cookie swaps, neighbor gifts, or as party favors for your Christmas gathering.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Bringing the Holiday Spirit Into Every Bite

There’s something magical about baking during the holidays – the comforting aroma, the sparkle of sprinkles, and the joy that comes from sharing something homemade.

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are everything a holiday dessert should be: easy, festive, buttery, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping up a last-minute party treat, or gifting them to loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles.

And let’s be real – they’re so cute, people will think you bought them at a bakery.

So go ahead – preheat that oven, grab your sprinkles, and make some edible holiday cheer. 🎄🍪

Similar recipes :

Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Bars: A Festive Delight That’ll Steal the Dessert Table
Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

❓FAQs

1. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookie base up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered at room temp, then frost before serving. Or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Do I need to use almond extract?

Nope – it’s optional! It adds a lovely bakery-style depth, but vanilla alone is just as delicious.

3. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a sheet pan (half-sheet size) and adjust baking time by a few minutes. Watch for golden edges.

4. How do I get the clean swirl frosting like in the photo?

Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe little swirls or “rosettes” across the top, then sprinkle with holiday nonpareils.

5. Can I skip the food coloring?

Of course. Keeping the frosting all white still looks beautiful and snowy. You can just add festive sprinkles for color.

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