Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe perfectly captures the festive spirit with sweet buttery dough and colorful sprinkles. It combines the tender crumb of classic sugar cookies with a creamy buttercream frosting making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. These bars are easy to make and cut into perfect portions for sharing or gifting.

I remember first making these bars with my kids eager to join in decorating them with sprinkles. Now they are a holiday tradition that always brings smiles and tasty memories.

Ingredients

• Two cups all-purpose flour: forms the cookie base use a good-quality unbleached flour if possible
• Two teaspoons cornstarch: adds tenderness to the bars
• One teaspoon baking powder: helps with slight rising and softness
• Three quarters cup salted sweet cream butter softened: richness and moisture softened butter incorporates better
• One cup granulated sugar: sweetness and texture
• One tablespoon pure vanilla extract: deep aromatic flavor
• One teaspoon almond extract: adds a nutty fragrant note enhancing the sweetness
• Two large eggs at room temperature: bind together the dough and add moisture
• Four tablespoons Christmas nonpareil sprinkles: festive color and classic crunch
• Buttercream Frosting
• One cup salted sweet cream butter softened: base for creamy frosting
• One teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring: keeps frosting looking white and bright with subtle flavor
• Half teaspoon almond extract: complements cookie base flavor profile
• Two and a half cups powdered sugar: sweet and smooth texture
• Four to five tablespoons heavy cream: adjusts frosting consistency
• Additional Christmas nonpareil sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper creating a sling for easy removal. Spray with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a small bowl whisk together the flour cornstarch and baking powder to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and tenderizing starch.

Beat butter:

Using a medium bowl and handheld mixer on high speed beat the softened butter for one minute until creamy and light.

Add sugar and extracts:

Add the granulated sugar vanilla and almond extracts and continue beating for about one to one and a half minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy.

Add eggs:

Lower mixer speed to low then add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter.

Add dry ingredients:

Increase mixer speed to medium low and add the flour mixture one cup at a time beating after each addition just until combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the bars tender.

Fold in sprinkles:

Gently fold in the festive sprinkles mixing just enough to distribute without breaking them.

Spread dough and bake:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish smoothing the top. Bake for twenty to twenty two minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool bars:

Allow cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up and prepare for frosting.

Prepare frosting:

For the buttercream frosting beat the softened butter vanilla and almond extracts on medium high speed for one minute until smooth and creamy.

Add powdered sugar and cream:

Lower the mixer speed to low and add powdered sugar half a cup at a time alternating with tablespoons of heavy cream. Once all is added increase the mixer speed and beat for one to one and a half minutes until light and fluffy.

Frost bars:

When cookie bars are cooled use the parchment paper sling to lift them out of the pan. Spread frosting evenly over the bars using a silicone or offset spatula.

Decorate and cut:

Sprinkle the remaining holiday nonpareils evenly over the top. Cut into bars approximately one and a half by three inches for perfect portions.

I love the almond extract because it adds that unexpected cozy note that makes these bars especially festive. One Christmas my family gathered around the kitchen table decorating these bars together. The kids loved sprinkling and I loved seeing those simple moments of joy.

Storage Tips

Keep bars in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the sprinkles’ crunch. Refrigerate if your home is warm but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute salted butter for unsalted but reduce any added salt elsewhere. Coconut extract can replace almond extract for a tropical twist but keep vanilla for balance. Heavy cream in the frosting can be swapped with whole milk although the frosting might be a bit less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a warm cup of cocoa or holiday spiced tea. They also make delightful plate gifts bundled with ribbon for neighbors or co-workers during the season.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try swapping the sprinkles for pastel colors and a little lemon zest in spring for a fresh variation. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a fall-inspired flavor profile. These bars can easily be customized with themed sprinkles to celebrate birthdays or other holidays.

These sugar cookie bars combine festive flavor and simple preparation making them a perfect holiday treat.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What gives these bars their soft texture?

The combination of cornstarch and baking powder along with softened butter creates a tender and soft crumb in the cookie bars.

→ Can I use different sprinkles for decoration?

Yes, you can customize the bars with any sprinkles or toppings you prefer to match your occasion or flavor preferences.

→ How should I store these bars to maintain freshness?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep the frosting firm longer.

→ Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extract?

Using both extracts adds depth and a subtle nutty note, enhancing the overall flavor of the bars and frosting.

→ Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake and frost the bars a day ahead; just keep them covered to preserve moisture and softness.

→ What size should the baking dish be?

A 9x9-inch baking dish works well to ensure the bars bake evenly and have the right thickness.