Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction: Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than with these soft, chewy, and colorful Christmas sugar cookie bars? These bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar form, eliminating the need for rolling and cutting out individual cookies. The soft, buttery dough is topped with a velvety sweet buttercream frosting and finished off with fun, festive sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a simple treat to share with family, these sugar cookie bars will be a showstopper!

History of Sugar Cookies: The origins of sugar cookies can be traced back to the 1700s, with early versions emerging in Europe. The “Nazareth cookie,” a type of sugar cookie, was made by the Pennsylvania Dutch, and it was believed to have been the inspiration for modern-day sugar cookies. The concept of sugar cookies became popular in the United States around the mid-19th century, and it didn’t take long for the simple, sweet dough to evolve into festive treats perfect for holidays like Christmas. Today, sugar cookies remain a beloved holiday classic.

Ingredients:

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons milk (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a thinner consistency)
Pinch of salt
Food coloring (optional)
Festive sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later, or lightly grease the pan.
Make the Sugar Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined. If the dough feels too stiff, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to help loosen it up. Be careful not to overmix.
Spread the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth it out, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the sugar cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they don’t break apart when cutting.
Make the Buttercream Frosting: While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
If you want colored frosting, divide the frosting into bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Mix until well combined.
Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread an even layer of frosting on top using an offset spatula. Be generous—you want a thick, buttery layer! Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for the final touch.
Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the sugar cookie bars into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Methods and Techniques Used:

1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
This is the foundational method for creating a light, airy texture in baked goods like sugar cookies. By beating the butter and sugar together until fluffy, you’re incorporating air into the dough, which will help the cookies or bars rise properly in the oven.

2. Baking the Bars as a Whole:
Rather than rolling out dough and cutting individual cookies, this recipe uses the “bar” format, where the dough is pressed into a pan and baked as one large sheet. This method is more convenient, making it an easy option when you’re short on time.

3. Buttercream Frosting:
The buttercream frosting is made by combining butter and powdered sugar to create a smooth, creamy texture. The addition of vanilla and a bit of milk or heavy cream gives it the perfect consistency for spreading on top of the sugar cookie bars.

4. Festive Decoration:
The use of sprinkles isn’t just for flavor—it’s an opportunity to add some holiday cheer! You can personalize these bars with any kind of sprinkle, whether it’s red and green for Christmas, or even snowflakes or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

The Lovers of Sugar Cookie Bars:

These Christmas sugar cookie bars are the kind of treat that appeals to everyone, whether you’re young or old. They’re a great hit at holiday parties, especially for those who enjoy soft, chewy cookies with a buttery frosting. Families with kids will love them because they’re easy to make and fun to decorate. For those who aren’t into the hassle of rolling and cutting out cookies, this recipe is a game-changer.

They’re also the perfect option for those who love simple but indulgent desserts. The combination of soft, chewy cookie bars and sweet, creamy frosting is irresistible. Whether shared with friends, neighbors, or loved ones, these sugar cookie bars bring a touch of sweetness and joy to any celebration.

Conclusion:

Christmas sugar cookie bars are an easy, delicious, and festive treat that adds a special touch to your holiday festivities. The soft, chewy texture of the bars, combined with the rich buttercream frosting, is a sure crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the ability to customize them with sprinkles and food coloring, you can make them as festive as you like. So, whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just because you love a good sugar cookie, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Happy baking, and may these sugar cookie bars become a beloved tradition in your home!