Few things capture the holiday spirit quite like baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and covered in vibrant frosting, these Christmas Food Treats are a joyful twist on a timeless classic. In this article, we’ll explore the nostalgic story behind these cookies, the essential ingredients, and a detailed, step-by-step baking guide that ensures perfect results every time. You’ll also find decorating tips, clever serving ideas, and answers to common baking questions. Whether you’re planning Christmas Food Desserts for parties, holiday cookie exchanges, or cozy family gatherings, these Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-have for your Christmas Baking Recipes collection.
A Sweet Beginning – The Story of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
The Holiday Memory That Started It All
The first time I made Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, my kitchen smelled like pure holiday magic — a blend of butter, vanilla, and a whisper of almond extract filling the air as soft carols played in the background. Snow sprinkled the windowpanes while my family gathered around, eager to decorate. Unlike traditional rolled sugar cookies, which require chilling and cutting, these Sugar Cookie Bars came together effortlessly. Mixing the dough, pressing it into a pan, and watching it puff to golden perfection felt like the easiest holiday miracle.
I remember sharing those first chewy squares, topped with a cloud of fluffy frosting and bright red and green sprinkles. The moment everyone took a bite, there was silence — then smiles. The bars were perfectly soft, buttery, and gently sweet, with that nostalgic sugar cookie flavor that everyone loves. The simplicity won me over, and the texture sealed the deal. Since that first batch, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars have become a cherished tradition in my kitchen — proof that you don’t need complex recipes to create something special.
Each December, I still pull out the same worn pan, measuring cups, and tangy vanilla. The process has become a comforting rhythm of the season. I’ve shared plates of these Sugar Cookie Bars with friends, neighbors, and coworkers, always met with appreciation and requests for the recipe. They remind me that the best Christmas Food Treats aren’t just baked for taste, but for the warmth they bring to everyone around the table.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy & Festive Treats
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Description
Soft, chewy Christmas sugar cookie bars topped with creamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting, this easy baking recipe yields tender, buttery bars with customizable decorations.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract, scraping bowl sides.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then add to wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or clean fingers.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and center is set.
7. Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out with parchment overhang and cool completely on a wire rack.
8. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream; beat until light and fluffy.
9. Divide and tint frosting with food coloring if desired.
10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars and decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
11. Slice into bars using a sharp knife, wiping between cuts, and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Keywords: christmas sugar cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, christmas food treats, christmas baking recipes, christmas food desserts, holiday baking, festive cookies, chewy cookies
Why These Sugar Cookie Bars Belong on Every Holiday Table
What makes Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars a must for every dessert spread is their perfect blend of ease and elegance. Their buttery base delivers that classic sugar cookie taste, while the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture keeps each bite irresistible. With a simple swipe of velvety frosting in festive hues — think peppermint pink or snowflake white — these bars transform into standout Christmas Food Desserts that look beautiful and taste even better.
They’re also incredibly versatile. For Christmas Baking Recipes, presentation matters, and these bars are as pretty as they are practical. Cut them into neat squares for your dessert table or package them in clear boxes tied with ribbon for the sweetest homemade gifts. They travel well, stay soft for days, and stack easily, making them ideal for cookie exchanges or office potlucks.
Beyond convenience, their customization is endless — tinted frostings, sparkling sugars, and candy toppings allow every baker to add a personal touch. You can match your party colors, theme, or family preferences, turning these Christmas Food Treats into edible art. In a season full of rich desserts, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars strike the perfect balance of nostalgia, beauty, and pure holiday joy — a must-bake addition to your Christmas Baking Recipes this year.
Ingredients & Kitchen Essentials for Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
Gather These Simple Ingredients
The beauty of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity — you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create bakery-worthy results. Most of what you’ll use is already sitting in your pantry or fridge, making these Sugar Cookie Bars one of the easiest Christmas Baking Recipes you can whip up during the holidays.
| For the Bars | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Almond extract (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| For the Frosting | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Powdered sugar | 2 ½ cups |
| Heavy cream or milk | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Food coloring (red, green, or holiday-themed) | As desired |
| Sprinkles or crushed candy canes | For decorating |
A few notes: make sure your butter is fully softened for easy creaming, and always measure ingredients accurately for the right texture. These basics ensure every batch of Sugar Cookie Bars turns out soft, chewy, and perfectly thick. This list keeps your Christmas Baking Recipes stress-free — just classic ingredients yielding reliably festive results!
Tools You’ll Need for Success
Like most Christmas Food Treats, having the right tools makes all the difference. You won’t need anything special, but a few kitchen staples will make the baking process seamless:
- Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan gives your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars the ideal thickness.
- Mixer (Hand or Stand): Helps cream the butter and sugar to a light, fluffy texture for chewy cookies.
- Rubber Spatula: Ensures even spreading without overmixing.
- Parchment Paper: Guarantees easy removal once cooled.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy ensures perfect texture and taste.
- Offset Spatula: For smooth, even frosting layers.
| Pan Size | Approx. Bake Time | Texture Result |
|---|---|---|
| 9×13 inch | 20–25 minutes | Soft, thick, classic bars |
| 8×8 inch | 25–30 minutes | Extra thick and cakier |
| Quarter Sheet Pan | 18–22 minutes | Slightly thinner, perfect for parties |
Pro Tips: Pre-measure ingredients before starting. Room-temperature butter blends better with sugar, creating that melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Always cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. With these basics ready, you’re fully equipped to make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that deliver holiday cheer in every bite.
Step-by-Step Method – How to Make Soft & Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Mixing, Baking, and Cooling the Sugar Cookie Bars
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to bring these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars to life. The process is simpler than most Christmas Baking Recipes, yet the result feels professional and festive. The goal is to create a dough that’s butter-rich, soft, and bakes into perfectly chewy cookie bars.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting. Lightly grease if needed to ensure the Sugar Cookie Bars release cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar. Beat butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until fluffy. This step creates tiny air pockets for that perfect soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Flavor. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extract. The mixture will smell like pure holiday comfort — all butter and vanilla warmth.
Step 4: Dry Ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt separately. Add to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
Step 5: Spread & Smooth. Press dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top.
Step 6: Bake. Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are lightly golden. The center should look set but soft. Avoid overbaking — slightly underdone yields perfect chewiness.
Step 7: Cool Completely. Let the bars cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then lift out using parchment edges. Cool fully on a wire rack before frosting to ensure a smooth finish.
Frosting, Decorating & Serving Tips
The frosting is what transforms these cookie bars into sparkling Christmas Food Desserts. It’s rich, fluffy, and easy to customize with holiday colors and flavors.
Step 1: Make the Frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing slowly to combine. Add vanilla and cream or milk, then whip until fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed.
Step 2: Add Color & Flavor. Divide frosting into bowls, tint with food coloring, and add peppermint extract if desired for a festive touch.
Step 3: Frost & Decorate. Spread frosting evenly on cooled bars. Decorate with red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, white chocolate drizzle, or edible glitter for sparkle and flavor.
Step 4: Slice & Serve. Cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges. Perfect for dessert trays or gift boxes.
Step 5: Store or Share. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars, then frost after thawing.
Served with cocoa by the fire or wrapped as gifts, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars capture the magic of homemade celebration. Simple, nostalgic, and endlessly cheerful, they’re a shining star among Christmas Food Desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day or two ahead, store in an airtight container, and frost before serving. They’ll stay soft and picture-perfect for your Christmas Food Desserts.
How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?
Cream butter and sugar well, bake only until the edges turn golden, and store in a sealed container. It keeps texture tender and chewy.
Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Bars with frosting?
Yes, though unfrosted bars freeze best. Freeze individually first, then stack with parchment. Thaw, frost fresh, and enjoy brightness and flavor just like day one.
What variations can I try for other holidays?
This recipe adapts easily — pastel frosting for Easter, red hearts for Valentine’s, or orange hues for Halloween. A true year-round favorite from your Christmas Baking Recipes collection.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored airtight, Sugar Cookie Bars stay soft for up to three days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator — ideal for busy holiday bakers of Christmas Food Treats.
Share the Joy of Christmas Baking
Few desserts embody the spirit of the season like Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. With their buttery softness, colorful frosting, and effortless simplicity, they’re both nostalgic and delightfully modern. Perfect for gift boxes, dessert tables, or a cozy night by the tree, they offer an easy way to spread holiday cheer. Add them to your Christmas Baking Recipes this year and create lasting, joyful moments one chewy bite at a time. Gather loved ones, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of sweet vanilla fill your home with Christmas warmth.
