Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that combines the classic flavor of sugar cookies with an easy-to-make bar format. These delicious bars offer a soft and chewy texture, topped with colorful sprinkles or icing to make them visually appealing. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home during the chilly season, these treats are sure to brighten anyone’s day. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful dessert. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a sweet holiday tradition that is both simple and satisfying. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars will surely become a favorite in your seasonal repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Craving something new? Try this delicious twist!
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; ensure it’s properly measured to avoid dense bars.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise and achieve a light texture.
- Salt: A small amount enhances sweetness; be cautious not to overdo it.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it contributes richness to the flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together; use large eggs for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor; opt for high-quality brands if possible.
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). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture while mixing well after each addition. Then stir in pure vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bars tender.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan before slicing into squares.
Transfer to plates and serve with festive toppings like frosting or sprinkles for added cheer!
Looking for more flavor inspiration? Check out this recipe!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookie bars as they bake; remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for soft centers.
- Add Colorful Toppings: Enhance visual appeal by adding colorful sprinkles or icing on top once cooled.
Enjoy making these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! They’ll bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday festivities!
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of the bars complements a warm beverage, making for a cozy treat.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful creaminess that balances the cookie’s texture.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sugar cookie bars.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
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Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars up to two days in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storing: Store any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place parchment paper between layers of bars in a freezer-safe container, where they will keep well for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat these delicious bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through. This will help maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Suggestions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for making the best Christmas sugar cookie bars. Ensure your butter, eggs, and any other dairy products are fresh and not nearing their expiration dates. Stale or old ingredients can significantly alter the flavor and texture of your bars. For instance, expired baking powder may not provide the necessary lift, leading to dense cookies instead of light, fluffy bars. Always check the labels on your ingredients before you begin baking. This small step can make a big difference in the overall taste and enjoyment of your holiday treats.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing your dough is a common mistake that can ruin your Christmas sugar cookie bars. When you mix too much, you develop gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough and chewy bars instead of soft and tender ones. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients come together. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few small lumps in the batter; they will bake out as the cookies cook. Remember, less is often more when it comes to mixing—keep it gentle for perfect results.
Pay Attention to Baking Time
Baking time is critical for achieving perfect Christmas sugar cookie bars. If you leave them in the oven for too long, they can become dry and hard rather than soft and chewy. Always set a timer for a few minutes less than the recipe suggests to check for doneness. The bars should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven, so keep this in mind as well.
Allow Proper Cooling
Proper cooling is essential after baking your Christmas sugar cookie bars. If you cut them while they are still warm, they may crumble or fall apart easily. Instead, let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. This waiting period allows them to firm up and makes it easier to achieve clean cuts without losing shape or texture. Additionally, using a sharp knife will help ensure nice clean edges for an attractive presentation.
Elevate your meal with this amazing recipe!
FAQs
What makes Christmas sugar cookie bars different from traditional cookies?
Christmas sugar cookie bars differ from traditional cookies mainly due to their texture and preparation method. While traditional cookies are usually round and individually baked on a tray, sugar cookie bars are spread evenly in a pan and baked as a single slab before being cut into squares or rectangles. This method not only saves time but also creates a softer interior with crisp edges that many find appealing during holiday celebrations.
Can I decorate my Christmas sugar cookie bars?
Absolutely! Decorating Christmas sugar cookie bars adds a festive touch that enhances their visual appeal. You can use royal icing, fondant decorations, or simply sprinkle colored sugars on top before baking to create beautiful patterns. After baking and cooling, consider adding icing or melted chocolate drizzles on top for an extra layer of sweetness and creativity. Personalizing them with fun shapes or messages can make them even more special for holiday gatherings.
How do I store leftover Christmas sugar cookie bars?
To store leftover Christmas sugar cookie bars properly, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between each row if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking or damage during storage. These treats can last up to one week at room temperature or can be frozen for longer preservation—up to three months if stored correctly in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can I customize my Christmas sugar cookie bar recipe?
Yes! Customizing your Christmas sugar cookie bar recipe allows you to tailor flavors and ingredients according to personal preferences or dietary needs. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for a festive twist. You could also experiment with different extracts such as almond or peppermint for added flavor depth. Just remember that any changes might affect baking time slightly; always keep an eye on your treats as they bake.
Need more culinary ideas? Here’s a perfect follow-up!
Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
In summary, making delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars requires attention to detail throughout the process—from selecting fresh ingredients to avoiding overmixing dough. Paying close attention to baking times ensures that your treats come out perfectly without becoming dry or crumbly. Allowing proper cooling helps maintain their structure while enabling beautiful presentation when served at holiday gatherings.
These tips will elevate your baking experience while ensuring that every batch of Christmas sugar cookie bars turns out deliciously satisfying! So gather your loved ones around this holiday season and share these sweet creations filled with joy and festive spirit!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive delight that brings the classic flavors of sugar cookies to a convenient bar format. Soft, chewy, and topped with colorful sprinkles or icing, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and simple steps, even beginner bakers can create this seasonal favorite effortlessly. Gather your loved ones around these delightful treats and watch them disappear as you share warmth and sweetness during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts.
Decorate with icing or colorful sprinkles after cooling for extra festive flair.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts.- Decorate with icing or colorful sprinkles after cooling for extra festive flair.- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
