Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Thick, soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars topped with vanilla almond frosting offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. These bars are perfect for sharing at festive gatherings, family celebrations, or cozy nights in. With all the classic sugar cookie flavors and none of the fuss of rolling and cutting dough, these bars stand out as an easy and delicious dessert option for the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need to roll or cut dough; just mix, bake, and frost!
• Deliciously Soft: The texture is thick and soft, making every bite a delight.
• Versatile Topping Options: Customize with food coloring and sprinkles for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Each batch yields 24 servings—ideal for parties or potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help with, from mixing to decorating.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and easy removal of the bars after baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in creaming butter and sugar together.

Ingredients

Thick, soft sugar cookie bars topped with vanilla almond frosting. All the flavor of traditional sugar cookies without the fuss of rolling and cutting.

For the Cookie Bars

• 1½ cups butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Frosting

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• Dash of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove your cookie bars once they are baked.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Kosher salt
3. Baking powder

This helps incorporate air into your dry ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together:
1. Butter
2. Granulated sugar
Beat for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Then add:
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Almond extract

Mix for an additional 1-2 minutes until combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 3 to your wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Press Dough Into Pan

Press the dough into your prepared pan using a floured rolling pin to smooth it out evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes (18 minutes is ideal). The edges should be lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Butter
Beat for about 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Then add:
2. Powdered sugar
3. A dash of kosher salt
4. Vanilla extract
5. Almond extract

Mix slowly while adding:
6. Heavy cream

Continue adding cream until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once bars are completely cool, frost them generously with your prepared frosting using a spatula or knife. If desired, add food coloring to some of your frosting before spreading it on top of the bars for festive colors! Finish off by adding sprinkles if you like.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are versatile and easy to serve.

For a Festive Gathering

• Platter Presentation: Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter to create an inviting display.
• Individual Wraps: Cut the bars into squares and wrap them in festive cellophane for party favors.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Hot Chocolate Delight: Pair with rich hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience during the holidays.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Buffet Style: Include Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars on a dessert table filled with other sweets for guests to choose from.
• Themed Decor: Use holiday-themed decorations around the cookie bars to enhance the festive vibe.

How to Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill before baking helps achieve thicker bars.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your bars soft.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Letting the bars cool will prevent the frosting from melting off.
• Add Colorful Sprinkles: Finish with sprinkles for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for the holidays.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

While Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, serving them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Eggnog Custard: A creamy custard that pairs well with the sweetness of sugar cookie bars.
2. Peppermint Bark: This crunchy treat adds a festive twist and contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the richness of frosted bars.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy texture that complements the sugar cookie flavor.
5. Spiced Nuts: Savory spiced nuts add crunch and flavor contrast, making them an excellent side option.
6. Hot Apple Cider: Warm apple cider enhances the holiday spirit and pairs beautifully with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can result in a dense texture. Always use room temperature butter for a soft and fluffy bar.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep them light and airy.

• Not cooling before frosting: Frosting warm bars can cause the icing to melt. Allow your bars to cool completely for a perfect finish.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining the pan may lead to sticking. Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Ignoring baking time: Baking too long or too short affects texture. Keep an eye on your bars and aim for 18 minutes for ideal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh by using a container that seals tightly.
• Best consumed within 5 days: For optimal taste and texture, eat within five days of baking.

Freezing Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap individually: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months: Enjoy these cookie bars later by freezing them; just ensure they are well-protected from freezer burn.

Reheating Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place one bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, warm the bars briefly while monitoring closely to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these cookie bars up to two days in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container.

How do I achieve the best frosting consistency?

For the best frosting consistency, gradually add heavy cream until you reach your desired thickness. Aim for a spreadable yet smooth texture.

Can I use different extracts in my sugar cookie bars?

Absolutely! While almond and vanilla are classic, feel free to experiment with other extracts like lemon or peppermint for unique flavors.

What toppings work best with Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

You can top them with sprinkles, crushed candies, or even chopped nuts. Customize according to your holiday spirit!

How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! Their thick and soft texture paired with creamy frosting makes them a delightful treat during the holiday season. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings that suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing these lovely bars with family and friends!