Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

What kind of recipe is it?

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive dessert that captures the essence of traditional sugar cookies in a convenient bar form.

These soft, chewy treats are characterized by their buttery flavor and vibrant holiday colors, often adorned with colorful sprinkles and frosting.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer an easy way to share a beloved classic without the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies.

Ideal for families, parties, and anyone looking to spread seasonal cheer, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the festive season.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), softened
Large eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Almond extract	½ teaspoon (optional)
Food coloring	Red and green (optional)
Sprinkles	½ cup (for topping)
Frosting (optional)	Your choice of buttercream or royal icing – about 2 cups

Note:

Make certain all ingredients are at room temperature for best results in texture and flavor.
Food coloring can be adjusted to achieve desired vibrancy in the cookie bars.

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Cooking Steps

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and position the oven rack in the center. Line a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan to guarantee the bars don’t stick.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed and set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup (226 g) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The color should be pale yellow, and the texture creamy.
Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
If desired, divide the dough into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to the other, gently folding until the colors are distributed. This step is optional for decoration.
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly to fill the corners. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If using two colors, alternately dollop red and green dough in the pan and swirl gently to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should have a slight bounce when gently pressed in the center.
Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, frost with your choice of buttercream or royal icing (about 2 cups) and top with ½ cup of sprinkles. If not frosting, cut the bars into squares immediately for a crunchy texture.
Allow the frosted bars to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to guarantee the frosting holds its shape.
Enjoy your Christmas sugar cookie bars, noting their sweet aroma and soft, chewy texture!

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Variations

Chocolate Chip Christmas Bars: Add 1 cup (175 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, sweet twist on the classic sugar cookie bars.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (2 ½ cups or 312.5 g) to create a gluten-free version while keeping the texture similar.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars: Replace the butter with 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil and the eggs with ½ cup (120 ml) of applesauce for a dairy-free and egg-free treat.
Cranberry-Orange Festive Bars: Incorporate 1 cup (100 g) of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 orange for a revitalizing seasonal flavor profile.

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Tips on plating and presentation

After exploring some delightful variations of Christmas sugar cookie bars, let’s talk about how to make them visually appealing.

I love using colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to add a festive touch. Placing the bars on a decorative platter and surrounding them with seasonal greenery or ornaments creates a cheerful display.

Don’t forget to slice them neatly for that perfect finishing touch!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

If you’re looking to create a festive spread, pairing your Christmas sugar cookie bars with complementary dishes can really enhance the celebration.

I love serving them alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or a rich chocolate Yule log.

A cheese platter with seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness, while colorful holiday-themed cupcakes make for a delightful visual.

It all ties together beautifully!

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What drinks can I pair it with?

To truly elevate your enjoyment of Christmas sugar cookie bars, consider pairing them with festive drinks that complement their sweetness.

I love serving them with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or a spiced apple cider for a cozy vibe.

For something bubbly, a sparkling cranberry drink adds a reviving twist.

These choices really enhance the holiday spirit and make every bite even more delightful!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, sugar cookie bars can last about five to seven days. I usually enjoy them fresh, but they still taste great after a few days!

Yes, I can freeze sugar cookie bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to three months. Enjoy later!

Are These Bars Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets?

No, these bars aren’t suitable for gluten-free diets. I usually recommend using gluten-free flour alternatives if you want a gluten-free option. It’s always best to double-check the ingredients before baking to guarantee everyone can enjoy.

I find the best way to cut these cookie bars is to use a sharp knife after letting them cool completely. Wiping the knife with warm water between cuts helps achieve cleaner edges for perfect squares.

Can I Use Food Coloring for the Frosting?

I always use food coloring in frosting. Just add a few drops to get the desired shade. It makes decorating fun and adds a personal touch to any treat I make. Enjoy!