Indulge in the deliciousness of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! These bars are not only easy to make but are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- These bars have a perfect balance of flavors with a soft and chewy texture.
- They require minimal prep time, making them great for busy holiday seasons.
- The festive Christmas sprinkles add a pop of color and fun to the bars.
Ingredient Notes:
Cookie Base:
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Provide sweetness and caramel notes.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Almond extract and vanilla extract: Enhance the flavor of the bars.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise.
- All-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt: Provide structure to the bars.
Frosting:
- Butter (salted or unsalted): Adds creaminess to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Christmas sprinkles: Adds a festive touch to the bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and extracts, then mix in the dry ingredients.
- Press the dough into the baking dish and bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the frosting by creaming the butter and adding the remaining ingredients.
- Frost the cooled bars and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
- Chill the bars before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a different flavor, you can swap almond extract with peppermint extract.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature butter for both the cookie base and frosting for a smoother texture.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Customize the bars with different colored sprinkles for different occasions.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or let them come to room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months.
- Can I use salted butter for the frosting? Yes, but adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bars? Absolutely, feel free to customize the bars with your favorite add-ins.
- How can I make these bars gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion:
Try out these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for a delicious and festive dessert that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your feedback and spread the holiday cheer with this sweet treat!
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. A buttery cookie base topped with a creamy frosting and colorful Christmas sprinkles, these bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 4 tbsp butter, salted or unsalted, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Base: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix in baking powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Press into a baking pan and bake.
- Make the Frosting: Beat butter, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread over the cooled cookie base.
- Add Decorations: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over the frosting. Let set before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can customize the frosting with different food coloring for a more festive look.
- Feel free to add other toppings like crushed candy canes or chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg