Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

by

Sure, here’s a fun, detailed recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that you can add to your cookie tray this holiday season. I’ll give you the full package: a little history of sugar cookies, the formation of the recipe, step-by-step instructions, and more!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction

Nothing says “Christmas cheer” quite like the sweet, buttery flavor of sugar cookies. But while rolling and cutting them into festive shapes is a classic tradition, it can be time-consuming. Enter Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: all the flavor and joy of sugar cookies, but in an easier, more convenient form! These bars are soft, chewy, and absolutely perfect for holiday cookie trays. Plus, they’re a breeze to make and decorate with your favorite festive toppings. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging in some holiday treats, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a great flavor)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (this helps make the bars soft and chewy)

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk (depending on desired consistency)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: Food coloring (for festive decoration)
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (for topping)

Methods & Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you lift the bars out easily once baked.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent a flour cloud. Once fully combined, add the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix until smooth.

6. Bake the Cookie Bars:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft and chewy.

7. Cool the Bars:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

8. Make the Frosting:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until fully combined. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until fluffy. Add more milk as needed for a spreadable consistency.

9. Frost and Decorate:

Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If you want to make them extra festive, add food coloring to the frosting or top with colorful sprinkles, holiday-themed decorations, or colored sugar.

10. Slice and Serve:

Once frosted, slice the bars into squares and serve! These are perfect for cookie trays, gift giving, or a simple holiday treat.

History of Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies have a long and sweet history. Their origins trace back to 18th-century Europe, where they were a popular treat for holidays and celebrations. The earliest recorded sugar cookies were made in the region of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the United States in the 1700s. These cookies were originally shaped into stars and crescents to celebrate Christmas.

Traditionally, sugar cookies are made with simple ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. They were often rolled and cut into shapes, decorated with colorful sugar or icing, and baked to create edible works of art. The popularity of sugar cookies skyrocketed in the 19th century, particularly with the advent of Christmas baking traditions.

The formation of the sugar cookie bar comes from the desire to streamline the process of making these cookies while keeping their delicious flavor intact. It’s a great way to enjoy sugar cookies with minimal effort, but still pack in all the nostalgic, buttery goodness!

Formation of Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar cookie bars were born out of necessity during busy holiday seasons, especially for large family gatherings or cookie exchanges. Instead of spending time rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies, bakers began making a larger “cookie cake”-style base, cutting it into bars once it was baked. The process eliminates the need for detailed shaping, making it quicker while still satisfying the sweet tooth.

By adjusting the ingredients and the baking technique, the sugar cookie bar retains that signature soft, chewy texture, with the added bonus of easy, spreadable frosting. The best part? You can decorate them with any festive toppings you like, from sprinkles to edible glitter, giving the bars a perfect balance of taste and aesthetic.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday season’s traditional flavors without the hassle of rolling, cutting, and baking individual cookies. These bars are a time-saver, they look gorgeous on any holiday table, and they taste just like the classic sugar cookies we all know and love. Whether you’re baking with family, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these sugar cookie bars will surely become a holiday favorite.

Sugar Cookie Lovers’ Notes

  • Flavor Variations: You can add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest to the dough to give the bars a unique twist. Or, mix in sprinkles directly into the dough for a fun surprise!
  • Vegan Version: Swap the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax or chia egg to make a vegan-friendly sugar cookie bar.
  • Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten intolerant, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Decoration Tips: Get creative! Top the frosting with crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, or even edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

No matter how you make them, these bars are bound to bring sweet memories and joy to your holiday celebrations!

There you go, a full recipe with history, methods, and even extra tips for sugar cookie lovers! Let me know if you need any further adjustments or suggestions.

Leave a Comment