Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars capture the spirit and sweetness of classic sugar cookies in a delightfully simple and fuss-free dessert. Soft, buttery, and generously dotted with festive sprinkles, this recipe skips the hassle of rolling and cutting dough, baking everything in one pan before topping with a luscious vanilla frosting. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or whenever you want a cheerful treat that tastes like nostalgia in every bite, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring joy to every festive gathering with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is easier than you might expect, and it all starts with basic pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a rich, tender, and colorful treat. Each ingredient plays its part by lending flavor, texture, or that unmistakable holiday charm.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a creamy dough that’s easy to work with and gives the bars their tender crumb.
• Cream cheese: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the bars soft.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps achieve a delightful texture that is not too dense.
• Egg and egg yolk: Provide structure and richness, making the bars sturdy yet soft at the same time.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor that’s essential for classic sugar cookies.
• Almond extract (optional): Gives a lovely hint of nutty sweetness for those who want a little extra holiday flair.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough — we use it spooned and leveled for perfect results every time.
• Cornstarch: Softens the texture, making the cookie bars irresistibly tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the bars rise just enough to stay light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Christmas sprinkles: Jimmies scattered throughout add colorful, festive fun and a bit of crunch.
• Powdered sugar: For the creamy frosting to spread atop the bars, giving them that classic sugar cookie finish.
• Heavy cream: Helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency — silky, smooth, and spreadable.
• Food coloring (optional): Adds a splash of holiday color to your frosting if you want to get extra festive.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper. This extra step makes lifting the bars out a breeze and helps keep your edges neat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—usually 2 to 3 minutes. This creamy base is the secret to creating bars that are soft and tender with every bite.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Blend everything just until smooth and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure no bit of this luscious batter gets left behind—every part is worth it!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your batter, mixing on low speed so your dough stays soft and doesn’t get overworked.

Step 5: Stir in the Sprinkles

Gently fold your Christmas sprinkles into the dough, watching those colorful jimmies dot the batter like tiny holiday lights. This adds both fun and festive crunch without overwhelming the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Cream the softened butter until smooth, then add vanilla, almond extract if using, and salt. Gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. Feel free to add food coloring for holiday colors!

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle more Christmas jimmies on top to make your bars truly sparkle with holiday cheer.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Enhance the festive look of your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with additional sprinkles right on top of the frosting. You can also add edible glitter or small candy cane pieces for an extra touch of holiday magic that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside classic holiday beverages such as hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, spiced eggnog, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with warm drinks to create a cozy holiday treat experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your cookie bars into perfect squares and arrange them on a decorative holiday platter or tiered tray. Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbon for gifting, or stack them with parchment paper between layers in a cookie tin to share with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for nibbling over several festive days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw completely, then frost and decorate as usual to keep that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat individual portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted bars too long to preserve the frosting’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter for these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Butter provides flavor and the right texture that margarine can’t fully replicate, so I recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best results.

Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars gluten free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make a gluten-free version.

How long do these cookie bars last after baking?

Left at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead treat for your holiday celebrations.

Can I add different extracts or flavors instead of almond?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon, peppermint, or even orange extract to give your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a different festive twist.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the dough?

Cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes these bars uniquely tender and flavorful. Leaving it out would change the texture quite a bit, so I recommend including it.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that offers all the joy of classic sugar cookies without the work, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are your new best friend in the kitchen. With festive sprinkles, buttery softness, and dreamy frosting, they make every holiday moment a little sweeter and a lot more special. I can’t wait for you to try them at your next get-together and see how fast they disappear!