Soft & Festive Sugar Cookie Bars (Best Christmas Treats)
Introduction When the Christmas season begins, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked treats filling the home….
Introduction
When the Christmas season begins, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked treats filling the home. These Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert—soft, chewy, frosted, and decorated with festive sprinkles. Instead of rolling, cutting, and shaping individual cookies, this recipe gives you the same nostalgic sugar-cookie flavor in one effortless pan. With a buttery base and fluffy vanilla frosting, Sugar Cookie Bars become the centerpiece of your dessert table and a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Christmas sprinkles for topping
How to Make Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan (a spatula or your hands work well).
Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the center remains soft.
Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
Add vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth and spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
Top with Christmas sprinkles.
Cut into squares and serve.
Why These Sugar Cookie Bars Are Perfect for Christmas
During the holidays, time is precious. These bars eliminate the tedious steps of traditional sugar cookies while delivering the same nostalgic flavor. They’re tender, buttery, festive, and quick—making them ideal for cookie exchanges, kid-friendly baking, and last-minute gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
- Do not overbake. Remove them when the center still looks pale; they’ll set as they cool.
- Use both vanilla and almond extract for that classic bakery-style sugar cookie flavor.
- Line the pan with parchment to lift and slice cleanly.
- Frost only when fully cool to avoid melting the buttercream.
- For thicker bars, use an 8×8 pan and bake slightly longer.
Variations
Christmas Funfetti Version
Fold ½ cup red and green sprinkles into the dough before baking.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Chocolate Frosted Bars
Swap vanilla frosting for chocolate buttercream.
Lemon Holiday Bars
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough and frosting for a bright citrus twist.
How to Store Sugar Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted or frosted bars (layered with parchment) for up to 2 months.
To thaw, bring to room temperature before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Serve on a Christmas dessert platter with brownies, gingerbread cookies, and fudge.
- Wrap individually for holiday gifting.
- Cut into mini bites for party dessert trays.
- Add food coloring to the frosting to match your Christmas theme—red, green, or snowy white.
Nutrition (Approx. per bar, 1 of 20 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These Sugar Cookie Bars are everything a Christmas dessert should be—soft, sweet, festive, and irresistibly buttery. They bring together the nostalgic joy of traditional sugar cookies with the ease of a modern bar dessert, making them perfect for busy holiday weeks. Whether you’re hosting a party, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply craving something festive, these Sugar Cookie Bars capture the magic of the season in every bite. With their versatile flavors, easy preparation, and beautiful presentation, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday baking traditions.
