Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Save time this holiday season with these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They are extra soft and topped with a thick layer of frosting, making them a festive treat that’s much easier to prepare than traditional sugar cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are sure to delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an irresistibly soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Frosting: You can easily adapt the frosting flavor and decorations to match any occasion or preference.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares, add some sprinkles, and you have a delightful treat ready to share with friends and family.
• Festive Appeal: These bars bring holiday cheer with their vibrant colors and sweet flavors, making them a festive addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool simplifies blending the ingredients together quickly, ensuring a smooth batter without lumps.
• Baking pan (9×13 inch): The ideal size for these sugar cookie bars, providing even baking and easy cutting into squares.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar

For Decoration

• Holiday sprinkles

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan is also essential to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add white sugar while continuing to mix.
3. Add vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and eggs; mix well until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the cookie dough into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
1. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
2. Bake for about 22 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
3. Allow it to cool completely before adding frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another bowl:
1. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Add salt and vanilla extract; mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve desired consistency for spreading.

Step 5: Frost & Decorate

Once cooled:
1. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
2. Top with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Now your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are ready to be enjoyed! Cut them into squares and share with loved ones or keep them for yourself as a sweet treat this holiday season!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. Their soft texture and festive frosting make them a delightful treat for everyone.

For a Festive Dessert Table

• Arrange with Holiday Decor: Place the bars on a decorative platter surrounded by winter-themed decorations like pinecones or ornaments.
• Serve with Hot Cocoa: Pair these bars with warm cups of cocoa for a comforting treat during chilly evenings.

As Party Favors

• Wrap Individually: Wrap each bar in festive cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a sweet takeaway gift.
• Label with Ingredients: Include a small tag with the ingredients for guests who may have dietary preferences.

For Family Movie Night

• Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: Slice the bars into smaller squares for easy snacking while enjoying holiday films.
• Add Ice Cream on the Side: Serve with scoops of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Christmas sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Start with butter and cream cheese at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Let Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the bars to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

While these sugar cookie bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with tasty side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great options:

1. Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your dessert table.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses, crackers, and nuts for savory bites that balance sweetness.
3. Nutty Granola Mix: Provide a crunchy granola mix as an alternative topping or snack alongside the cookies.
4. Spiced Nuts: Serve warm spiced nuts to complement the flavors of the sugar cookie bars during celebrations.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These sweet and salty treats are perfect for dipping and pairing with cookies.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Add an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors as additional dessert options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas sugar cookie bars, avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference in your baking success.

• Skipping the butter softening step: Always soften the butter to room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture.
• Neglecting to measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to aerate your flour before scooping it into your measuring cup to avoid dense bars.
• Not chilling the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough helps enhance flavors and ensures the bars hold their shape during baking.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your bars; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars softer?

To achieve softer bars, ensure you don’t overbake them. They should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven.

Can I use alternative flours in my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Yes! You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for a different flavor and texture.

What toppings can I add to my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Feel free to customize with chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or different colored sprinkles for added festivity!

How do I prevent my frosting from melting on the bars?

Make sure your cookie bars are completely cooled before adding frosting. This will help keep it from melting.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any holiday gathering. Their soft texture paired with rich frosting makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, ensuring a festive treat that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate—try making these delightful bars today!