Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the magical treat that brings your holiday cheer to life, with their buttery goodness and festive sprinkles. honey butter rolls Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that melts in your mouth, releasing the sweet aroma of vanilla and a sprinkle of holiday spirit.
As you gather around the table with family and friends, these bars become the centerpiece of laughter and joy. They are perfect for cookie swaps, cozy gatherings, or just when you need a little extra sweetness in your day. Trust me; every bite will have you reminiscing about childhood treats and holiday bliss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are super easy to whip up, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- The sweet flavor profile combines buttery richness with festive sprinkles that everyone loves.
- Their eye-catching appearance makes them a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use this as the base for your cookie bars; it’s essential for that perfect chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely golden color when baked.
- Baking Powder: This is your secret ingredient for making the bars rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors in this festive treat.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened; it brings richness and moisture to your bars.
- Large Eggs: These help bind everything together and give your bars a lovely structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this aromatic extract makes everything taste like a hug from Grandma.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Optional but highly recommended; they add an irresistible chocolatey goodness to each bite.
- Sprinkles: Choose colorful sprinkles to give your cookie bars that festive flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an appropriate baking dish (a 9×13-inch works wonders) with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps ensure even distribution of leavening agents, which means no sad-looking flat bars!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm wrestler if you want a workout! Add in the eggs one at a time along with that glorious vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it! Fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.
Step 5: Spread Into Baking Dish
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top generously with colorful sprinkles because we all know sprinkles are what make everything better!
Step 6: Bake
Pop those delicious bars into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be set yet slightly soft—just like we like our cookies!
Let them cool before slicing into squares (or rectangles if you’re feeling rebellious). Transfer them to plates and watch as everyone gathers around for these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!
You Must Know
- These Christmas sugar cookie bars are not just a holiday treat; they’re your ticket to becoming the star of any festive gathering.
- With their soft, chewy texture and delightful frosting, they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla before gradually adding the dry ingredients. Bake until golden brown, cool completely, and frost with glee!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint for a twist! You can also add colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra fun. peppermint cheesecake mousse pie Personalize away!
Storing & Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly chewy cookie bars, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour.
- Letting the bars cool completely before frosting helps keep the icing intact.
- For vibrant colors in your frosting, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
The first time I made these Christmas sugar cookie bars, my family devoured them faster than I could frost them. They declared it a holiday miracle worthy of a repeat performance every year!
FAQs:
What are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. These bars combine the classic flavors of vanilla and butter, resulting in a soft, chewy treat that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. Unlike standard cookies that require shaping and baking individually, these bars are spread in a pan and cut into squares after baking. strawberry cheesecake recipe Oreo cheesecake cookies This method not only saves time but also makes them suitable for serving at parties or giving as gifts. You might also enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe.
How do I store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
To keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week when stored properly. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks or freezing them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I customize the frosting on my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can use any frosting flavor you like, from classic buttercream to cream cheese frosting. For a festive touch, add food coloring to match your holiday theme or sprinkle on colorful toppings like sprinkles or crushed candies. Customizing the frosting allows you to make these bars uniquely yours while keeping the spirit of the season alive.
Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can easily make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and frosting elements, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats during the holiday season without worry.
Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:
In summary, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars offer an effortless yet scrumptious way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Their simple preparation method makes them ideal for festive gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. With customizable frosting options and easy storage solutions, these bars fit seamlessly into any holiday tradition. Enjoy each bite and spread joy this season with these delightful treats!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat to elevate your holiday celebrations. These buttery, soft bars, topped with colorful sprinkles, evoke warm memories of family gatherings and sweet traditions. Ideal for cookie exchanges, cozy nights, or as delightful gifts, they are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them. Simple to make and utterly irresistible, these bars will be the star of your dessert table this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients; fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread batter into prepared dish and top with sprinkles.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Let cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For an extra twist, substitute vanilla with almond or peppermint extract. Store in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for later enjoyment.
