Festive Cookie Bars

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I’ve baked a lot of cookies over the years, but nothing quite brings out the holiday cheer like these Festive Cookie Bars. They’re buttery, soft, and topped with a thick layer of fluffy frosting and colorful sprinkles — exactly the kind of treat that makes a dessert table pop at any celebration. What I love most is how they combine the classic sugar cookie flavor with the ease of a bar – no rolling, no cutting, just spread and bake.

When I first made these for a holiday party, I watched as everyone went back for seconds (and thirds). That’s when I knew these cookie bars were a keeper. They’re not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also easy to make ahead and decorate however you like — red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or even themed colors for birthdays. They’ve quickly become a go-to in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Cookie Bars

These cookie bars hit all the right notes — they’re soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of sweet vanilla frosting on top. You don’t need to chill the dough, roll it out, or use cookie cutters, which makes them perfect for busy days or baking with kids. Plus, they’re super easy to customize with sprinkles or frosting color for any occasion.

What Kind of Frosting Works Best?

I prefer a classic American buttercream for these bars. It’s smooth, creamy, and holds up beautifully on top of the cookie layer. If you’re feeling fancy, you could whip up a cream cheese frosting for a slight tang, but the buttercream gives you that perfect sweet balance that pairs so well with the buttery base.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily switch up a few ingredients depending on your dietary needs or what you have on hand:

• Swap out regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed.
• Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Add almond or peppermint extract to the dough for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
• Switch the sprinkles for crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or holiday M&Ms.

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Ingredients for These Festive Cookie Bars

• Unsalted Butter: This gives the bars a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the texture soft and moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helps the bars get that perfect golden top.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor — don’t skip this one!
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bars; it gives them structure without being too dense.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise slightly so they’re fluffy but still chewy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting for a smooth, sweet, and fluffy finish.
• Butter (again for frosting): Forms the base of the creamy buttercream topping.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps thin the frosting to the right consistency.
• Sprinkles: Totally optional, but they bring a festive, colorful touch that makes these bars fun and celebratory.

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Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step ensures your bars come out clean and easy to slice.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process aerates the batter for a soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is fully incorporated before moving on.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even distribution before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix here — stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the thick dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula or clean hands to press it into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is just golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cookie bar base cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting. If it’s too warm, the frosting will melt and slide.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of heavy cream or milk. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Add more cream if needed to loosen the texture.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Top with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft so they stick.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment (if used) and slice into squares. Enjoy immediately or store for later!

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How Long to Prepare the Festive Cookie Bars

Prep Time: The hands-on prep for these cookie bars is surprisingly quick — just around 15 minutes. That includes mixing the dough, prepping the pan, and getting everything ready for the oven. If you’re making the frosting from scratch while the bars bake or cool, you can easily multitask and save time.

Baking and Cooling Time: Bake time takes about 20–25 minutes, and you’ll want to let the bars cool for another 30 minutes before frosting. Overall, you’re looking at just about 1 hour from start to finish, with only half of that being active work. Perfect for busy days or last-minute party prep.

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Tips for Perfect Festive Cookie Bars

• Use room temperature butter for both the dough and the frosting — it creams better and creates a smooth, fluffy texture.
• Don’t overbake — take them out when the top just starts to turn golden. Overbaking can make them dry.
• Evenly press the dough into the pan using your hands or the back of a spoon. This ensures every slice is uniform.
• Chill before slicing if you want super clean edges. Just 15–20 minutes in the fridge can help.
• Store in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for days.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough, dense bars.
• Skipping the cooling step: Warm bars will melt your frosting into a mess.
• Using cold butter: Makes it hard to cream properly and leads to uneven texture.
• Too much flour: Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.
• Thin frosting: Add powdered sugar or chill it if your buttercream is too runny.

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What to Serve With Festive Cookie Bars?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich and creamy hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness of the bars.

2. Peppermint Mocha

The minty flavor contrasts nicely with the vanilla and adds a holiday twist.

3. Eggnog

Classic Christmas pairing that complements the spices and sweetness of your dessert table.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a cookie bar warm with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.

5. Fresh Berries

Add a fresh element with strawberries or raspberries for a balance of flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve the frosting.

Refrigerator: If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Let them come to room temp before serving so the frosting softens.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted or frosted bars (in a single layer, then stack with parchment) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1 of 24 squares):

• Calories: ~220
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 60mg

(Note: This is a rough estimate and can vary depending on frosting thickness and sprinkle quantity.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and frost the next day. Or freeze them for future use.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan (like a rimmed baking sheet) and keep an eye on the bake time — you might need a few extra minutes.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or use cream cheese frosting for a tangier, less-sweet flavor profile.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Of course! It’s a great shortcut if you’re pressed for time — just make sure to let the bars cool completely first.

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Conclusion

Festive Cookie Bars are everything you want in a quick and easy holiday dessert — soft, chewy, frosted, and full of cheer. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just sneaking a few for yourself with a cup of cocoa, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles. Customizable, crowd-pleasing, and no-fuss — this is one treat you’ll want to make all year round.

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