Description
These Christmas Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, colorful, and topped with a thick layer of creamy frosting that makes every bite feel festive and comforting. They are the perfect easy dessert for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and Christmas celebrations. If you are looking for quick dessert ideas, easy holiday treats, Christmas baking recipes, or fun food ideas for the season, these frosted cookie bars are guaranteed to become a favorite. Their chewy sugar cookie base combined with rich vanilla frosting and cheerful holiday sprinkles creates a bakery-style dessert that looks beautiful on any dessert table. The best part is how simple they are to make compared to traditional cut-out cookies, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup red and green Christmas sprinkles
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra Christmas sprinkles for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold the Christmas sprinkles gently into the dough.
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
10. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
11. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until creamy.
12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
13. Top with additional Christmas sprinkles.
14. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake the bars because they continue to set as they cool and staying slightly soft keeps them chewy.
Allow the bars to cool fully before frosting so the frosting stays thick and creamy.
Chill the frosted bars for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner and sharper edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday dessert, easy Christmas recipe, frosted cookie bars, festive dessert, Christmas treats, easy dessert ideas, holiday baking