Introduction to Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
As the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies filling your home. The joy of sharing sweet treats with family and friends creates memories that linger long after the last bite. That’s where these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come into play! They’re soft, festive, and topped with creamy frosting that’s pure bliss. Plus, they’re easy to make, which is a lifesaver for busy moms like us. So grab your apron, and let’s create some holiday magic together that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
If you’re like me, juggling a hectic schedule while trying to create festive moments can be tough. That’s why I adore these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests. Plus, their soft texture and creamy frosting create a delightful sweetness that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. With every bite, you’ll remember the joy of the season, one bar at a time!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Gathering the perfect ingredients is vital for making scrumptious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie bars, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent gives your bars that delightful rise.
- Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness while balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Keeps things rich and creamy; at room temperature, it mixes beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens your bars and contributes to that lovely soft texture.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient keeps the bars moist, adding a slight tang.
- Eggs: They bind everything together, helping create a lovely, soft consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A must for making that luscious frosting that you’ll layer on top.
- Heavy whipping cream or milk: Either works to achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Clear vanilla extract: Optional but recommended for pure flavor without color imposition.
- Sprinkles: Use festive colors for decoration, adding a joyful holiday touch!
For exact measurements, don’t worry! They’re listed at the bottom of this article and are available for printing. Let’s gather these delightful ingredients and get ready to bake up some holiday cheer!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. While your oven is heating up, grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper. This little trick makes it a breeze to lift the bars out later, ensuring every delicious piece is intact. Trust me, it’s a game changer for easy serving!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures an even rise and uniform flavor throughout. It’s like laying down a solid foundation before building your delicious treat—one that everyone will want to dive into!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, it’s time to create magic! Beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates a beautiful base for our cookie bars. Picture that soft, airy texture you enjoy biting into, it all starts here!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar blend. Beat everything together until well combined. This mixture helps create a rich, flavorful dough that’s the heart of your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen as you work!
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated, and you have a soft, cohesive dough. This dough is going to be the base of your cookie bars, setting the stage for the sweet, festive experience that’s just around the corner.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Now, it’s time to assemble! Evenly press that delicious dough into your prepared pan. Once it’s nice and even, slide it into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep a close watch; you want the edges to be just starting to brown while the center remains soft and chewy. Trust me, that texture is what you’re after!
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let your baked bars rest for about 1.5 hours. Allowing them to cool completely is essential for the optimal frosting application. Patience is a virtue, my friends, and it ensures that frosting will stay put instead of melting away!
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
In a bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s fluffy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, alternating with a splash of heavy cream. This creates a dreamy frosting cloud you can’t wait to spread! Enhance with clear vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor. It’s the frosting that dreams are made of!
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once your bar has cooled completely, it’s time for the fun part! Spread that luscious frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Then, sprinkle on some festive decorations as desired. Whether you go for classic reds and greens or vibrant blues and yellows, the sprinkles will bring a cheerful holiday touch to your delightful treats!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing.
- For soft bars, be careful not to overbake; check for slight browning at the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkles to match your holiday theme!
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for baking the bars. A similarly sized glass dish works too!
- Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars. You can use aluminum foil if you’re in a pinch.
- Mixing bowls: Having two sizes makes mixing ingredients a breeze.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly. A fork can substitute in a rush.
- Spatula: Ideal for frosting your bars evenly—don’t skimp on this one!
Variations for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free delight.
- Choco-chip twist: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the dough for an extra burst of flavor!
- Flavor extracts: Explore almond or peppermint extracts instead of vanilla for a festive flavor change-up.
- Citrus zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens the season.
- Nutty addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
- Dress them up on a festive holiday tray for a beautiful presentation.
- These bars make delightful gifts; wrap them in cellophane with a festive bow!
FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a few days in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will continue to meld, making your bars even more delicious!
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Store any leftover cookie bars in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re worried about them sticking together, you can place parchment paper between the layers.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, if you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can replace it with plain yogurt. It will still provide that lovely moist texture you desire in your cookie bars.
What can I use instead of clear vanilla extract?
If you can’t find clear vanilla extract, regular vanilla extract will work just fine. Just keep in mind it may darken your frosting slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I freeze these sugar cookie bars?
Definitely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving!
Final Thoughts
As we gather with family and friends during the holiday season, creating and sharing these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars brings joy and warmth to our celebrations. The soft, sweet bars topped with creamy frosting remind us of the gift of togetherness. Each bite captures the spirit of the season, making every moment feel special. Whether you’re enjoying them at a cozy gathering or gifting them to a neighbor, these delightful treats foster connections and sweet memories. So let’s bake, share, and celebrate what truly matters: the love and laughter that fill our homes this time of year!
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges to easily lift the cookie bars out later.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Immediately add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in a single layer.
Notes
- Using clear vanilla extract enhances the frosting’s appearance without altering the color.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Let the bars cool completely to avoid melting the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
