Introduction
The holiday season is synonymous with sugar cookies, but who has time for rolling, cutting, and tedious decorating when the calendar is packed? Enter the Easy Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar. This recipe takes the beloved, buttery flavor of classic sugar cookies and transforms it into a quick, stress-free bar format. Baked in a single 9×13 inch pan, these bars offer maximum festive cheer with minimal effort. They are perfect for holiday potlucks, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying that seasonal craving for a soft, chewy, sprinkle-laden treat. It’s the ultimate shortcut to holiday baking success!
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups (270g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) Salt
- 1 cup (225g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) Vanilla Extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vanilla Extract
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
- Red or Green Food Coloring (Gel preferred)
- For Decoration:
- 1/2 cup Festive Christmas Sprinkles
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the exposed parchment.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. *Tip: Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; this keeps the bars tender.*
- Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly floured) to ensure the dough reaches all corners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. *Tip: For soft bars, pull them out right before the center starts to brown.*
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack—at least 1 hour. Cooling is crucial before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the bars cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk/cream until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in the vanilla and a few drops of food coloring until you achieve a vibrant festive shade.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Spread the frosting evenly across the top. Immediately scatter the Christmas sprinkles over the frosting before it sets. Allow the frosting to firm up slightly (about 15 minutes) before cutting into 24 squares.
Nutritional Information
These sugar cookie bars are undoubtedly a decadent holiday treat. Based on a serving size of 24 bars, each square contains approximately 250-300 calories, 15g of fat, and 30g of carbohydrates, largely derived from sugars. While they are high in simple carbohydrates, they offer a moderate energy boost perfect for holiday activities. Remember, these are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially during festive celebrations.
Storage
Store leftover sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If stacking, place a layer of parchment paper between the bars to prevent the frosting from sticking. These bars freeze well: cut them into squares, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Easy Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the ultimate solution for stress-free holiday baking. They are delightful served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. For a fun variation, try substituting 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with almond extract for a marzipan-like flavor, or swirl two different colors of frosting (red and green) for an extra festive look. Enjoy the simplicity and joy these bars bring to your holiday table!