Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of traditional sugar cookies with the ease of a bar cookie. Soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet indulgence at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Additional sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, cream or milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, top with sprinkles, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Add festive flair by using different sprinkle shapes or colored frosting.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
