Description
Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday dessert for parties, cookie exchanges, and cozy family gatherings. This easy recipe delivers all the flavor of classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling or cutting dough. With festive sprinkles, a tender cookie base, and rich frosting, these bars make a beautiful addition to any Christmas dessert table. Perfect for quick holiday baking, easy dessert ideas, Christmas food ideas, holiday treats, and make-ahead party desserts, these sugar cookie bars stay soft for days and are simple enough for beginner bakers while still looking bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Red and green holiday sprinkles
White sprinkles or candy pearls
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt until incorporated.
7. Spread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set.
9. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
10. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar.
11. Add vanilla extract, salt, and cream until frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
12. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars.
13. Decorate with holiday sprinkles immediately after frosting.
14. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake the bars or they may lose their soft texture. Remove them once the center is just set.
For perfectly clean slices, chill the frosted bars for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.
Room temperature butter creates a smoother dough and fluffier frosting for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, holiday dessert, easy Christmas dessert, sugar cookie bars, festive treats, holiday baking, Christmas cookies, easy dessert recipe