Description
Get ready to bake a holiday favorite that is soft, buttery, frosted, and perfect for sharing. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy recipe packed with classic vanilla flavor, a smooth sweet frosting, and festive sprinkles, making them one of the best holiday dessert ideas, Christmas party treats, and easy food ideas for a crowd.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
red, green, and white holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
9. To make the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with the powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and fluffy. Add the extra tablespoon of milk if needed.
10. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and top with holiday sprinkles.
11. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and softer texture.
Do not overbake the bars or they can lose their tender sugar-cookie bite.
Cool the bars completely before frosting so the topping stays thick and neat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 32mg