Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer in every bite, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. Imagine the soft, buttery goodness of traditional sugar cookies with a generous swirl of creamy vanilla frosting and joyful bursts of colorful sprinkles. This recipe takes all that nostalgia and wraps it up in a simple, carefree bar that’s perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire. No rolling or cutting involved—just pure, joyous baking that fills your kitchen with warm, seasonal bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a luscious texture and delightful flavor. Each component plays its part, from the richness of the butter and cream cheese to the soft sprinkle-studded dough that bakes up tender and sweet.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes these bars irresistibly tender.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and extra moistness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients for structure and a soft crumb.
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature): Enhances the bars’ tenderness and richness.
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract: Brings out the warm, inviting aroma that defines classic sugar cookies.
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty depth to the flavor—totally optional but highly recommended!
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): The sturdy base that holds these soft bars together just right.
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch: Keeps the texture tender and soft, preventing any heaviness.
• ¾ tsp baking powder: A gentle lift that keeps your bars light and airy.
• 1/2 tsp fine salt: Enhances all the sweetness and flavors in the best possible way.
• 1/8 tsp baking soda: Helps with slight rise and a tender crumb.
• 1/8 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, plus more for garnish): For that festive pop of color and sweet crunch throughout.

• For the Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): The creamy base for a luscious frosting that balances the cookie bars perfectly.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with classic sugar cookie flavor.
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional): A subtle hint that elevates the frosting with a delicate note.
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances the sweetness for balanced flavor.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Creates that smooth, sweet frosting texture everyone loves.
• 1 ½ Tbsp heavy cream (room temperature; add more as needed): Adds the perfect consistency and creaminess.
• Food coloring (optional): For festive flair that matches your holiday vibe.
• Additional Christmas sprinkles (for decorating): Because you can never have too many sprinkles during the holidays!

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and then lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars lift out easily and keeps cleanup simple—which is a win during the busy holiday season.

Step 2: Cream 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 on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This creamy base is the heart of your bars and gets everything off to the right start for soft, tender results.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is smooth and fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl often to keep the batter uniform. This mixture is what makes your bars rich and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth softness that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky rather than stiff, which is exactly what you want for ultra-soft cookie bars. This tender texture is what makes these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stand out.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold the Christmas sprinkles into your dough, distributing festive bursts of color throughout. Resist the urge to overmix—folding in your sprinkles carefully helps keep their shape and prevents the dough from turning an unappetizing color. These little specks are the hallmark of holiday joy in every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color and the center feels set but still soft. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this ensures the sugar cookie bars hold their shape once frosted.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, salt, and heavy cream, blending until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if you want to make your bars extra festive. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars and sprinkle with extra Christmas sprinkles for that perfect holiday finish.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

These bars are festive without extra fuss, but adding a few creative garnishes can elevate their charm. Additional Christmas sprinkles on top add whimsy and crunch. For an elegant twist, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or peppermint bark pieces. A few red and green edible glitter accents really highlight the holiday spirit too!

Side Dishes

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars pair beautifully with warm beverages like rich hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or a cozy cup of coffee. At a party, consider serving alongside other holiday favorites such as gingerbread men or peppermint bark for a stacked cookie table that’s impossible to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Stylish presentation can make your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars the star of any event. Cut them into neat squares and serve on a festive holiday platter lined with parchment paper. For gifting, stack bars in a clear box tied with a velvet ribbon. You can even customize the frosting colors to match your holiday theme for extra cheer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a true gift for later. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the bars soft and the frosting fresh. If you want to keep them a bit longer, they refrigerate well for about a week but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then add any frosting or sprinkles fresh for that just-made taste.

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, gently reheat single servings in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt too much. Warm bars paired with a cold glass of milk are next-level holiday indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter may make the bars slightly saltier than intended, but you can reduce or omit the added salt if you only have salted on hand.

Why do I need cream cheese in the dough?

Cream cheese adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness while keeping the bars soft and tender. It’s a secret ingredient that makes these bars extra special compared to classic sugar cookies.

Can I substitute the sprinkles with something else?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap sprinkles for mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts if you want a different twist on texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that classic Christmas sprinkles provide the fun festive look.

How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?

Spread the dough evenly to fill the pan, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures the bars bake evenly and have a soft, chewy texture without becoming too cakey or too thin.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may slightly differ in texture. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best success, and keep an eye on baking time as gluten-free dough can behave differently.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are truly a holiday game changer—a perfect blend of nostalgia, ease, and festive flavor that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re hurrying to a cookie exchange or baking to bring warmth into your own home, this recipe checks every box. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to Christmas treat year after year. So grab your mixing bowl, turn up the holiday tunes, and enjoy baking these joyful bars that taste as wonderful as they look!