It’s that time of year again, where the smell of fresh baked cookies fills the air and the holiday spirit is in full swing. And what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars? This recipe from A Dash of Sanity is the perfect combination of soft, chewy cookie and sweet, creamy frosting, all wrapped up in festive colors and flavors. So grab your apron and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1 batch of cream cheese frosting (see recipe below)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sprinkles, reserving a handful for the top of the bars.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles on top of the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the bars, using a spatula to create an even layer.
- Cut into squares and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Spread over the cooled cookie bars.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 300
Total fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixer (hand or stand)
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for any holiday gathering, from office parties to family get-togethers. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for an extra festive touch.
Variations
Get creative with your Christmas sugar cookie bars by adding different mix-ins or toppings. Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the dough before baking. Or top the bars with crushed candy canes, holiday M&M’s, or drizzled chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Substitutions
If you don’t have sprinkles on hand, you can substitute them with other colorful toppings like sanding sugar or nonpareils. And if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting instead of making your own.
Storage
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before making the frosting to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- If you want to make these bars ahead of time, you can bake and frost them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking pan, you can use a 9×9 inch square pan instead. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Notes
If you want to make these bars gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the label to make sure it’s suitable for baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe. Just be sure to omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
Can I make these bars without sprinkles?
Yes, you can leave out the sprinkles if you prefer. The bars will still be delicious and festive without them.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who loves all things sweet and festive, these Christmas sugar cookie bars are an absolute dream come true. The soft, chewy cookie is perfectly balanced by the sweet, creamy frosting, and the sprinkle toppings add just the right amount of holiday cheer. Plus, they’re super easy to make and always a hit at any holiday gathering. So if you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert this season, give these bars a try!