Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious cookies! One of the favorite holiday treats is the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars are soft, sweet, and topped with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Why Make This Recipe
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not only easy to make, but they also bring the festive spirit to any gathering. They are perfect for decorating and are a wonderful project to do with kids. You can quickly whip up a batch and serve them at holiday parties, gift them to neighbors, or enjoy them at home with a warm glass of milk. Plus, who can resist a sweet cookie bar that looks as cheerful as it tastes?
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward and fun! Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles for topping
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the mixture is well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle colored sprinkles on top while still warm.
- Let cool before cutting into bars and serving.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These delightful cookie bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares or rectangles and place them on a festive plate. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a great addition to any holiday spread. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a special treat!
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
If you have any leftover bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for about 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
- Feel free to customize the sprinkle colors to match your holiday theme!
Variation
You can change things up by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Another fun variation is to use different extracts, such as peppermint, for a festive twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, margarine can be used, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Q: How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
A: The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Q: Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make them a couple of days in advance and store them until you are ready to serve.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive and delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that are soft, sweet, and topped with colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the mixture is well combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle colored sprinkles on top while still warm.
- Let cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas, sugar cookie, holiday dessert, festive treats, cookie bars