There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars wafting through the house. Imagine a warm, buttery embrace, sprinkled with festive colors and sweet memories, all packed into one delightful treat. It’s like the holiday spirit itself decided to throw a party in your kitchen, inviting everyone to join in on the fun.
Every bite of these bars captures the essence of Christmas cheer, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. The soft, chewy texture combined with just the right amount of sweetness will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds—before you even realize it.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- This incredible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I remember the first time I made these bars; my family was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. My cousin Sarah practically did a happy dance when she took her first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality flour for best results; it’s the foundation of your cookie bars.
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Baking Powder: This is essential to give your bars that wonderful light and fluffy texture.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those sweet flavors beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness in your recipe better.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness while contributing to that lovely browning on top.
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Brown Sugar: For that rich flavor and chewy texture that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs to bind everything together perfectly.
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Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a deeper flavor profile; it makes all the difference!
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Sprinkles: These add a festive touch—because who doesn’t love a little sparkle during the holidays?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and creamy—about 3 minutes of mixing should do.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined smoothly; you’ll get that delightful aroma wafting in no time.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these sugar cookie bars tender!
Add Sprinkles: Fold in your colorful sprinkles gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking apart too much.
Bake Your Bars: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Don’t worry if they’re slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Now go ahead and let those delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars cool before cutting them into squares—you’ll want them to set properly!
With their festive colors and irresistible flavor, you may even find yourself making these year-round—not just during Christmas! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later (if they last that long).
You Must Know About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- This showstopping Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately to avoid clumps before combining everything into a smooth batter. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. You can also add colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips for extra fun and flavor. Experimenting with different frostings like cream cheese or chocolate can take these bars to another level.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- This professional-quality Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
There’s something magical about baking these bars during the holiday season; my friends still reminisce about their first bite at last year’s gathering, where smiles lit up the room!
FAQ
What makes Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars different from regular cookies?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are thicker and softer than traditional cookies, offering a chewy texture while retaining a buttery taste that’s enhanced by festive add-ins like sprinkles or colored icing.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend while keeping the other ingredients consistent. The creamy texture remains, making it just as delightful without gluten.
How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?
Check if the edges turn light golden brown while the center remains slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool down. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
What’s the best way to decorate my cookie bars?
Once cooled, spread your favorite frosting over the top, then sprinkle with festive decorations like colored sugar or mini marshmallows for an extra touch of holiday cheer!
Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
In summary, crafting delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is about balancing flavors and textures while letting your creativity shine through customization options. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with loved ones during festive gatherings, these bars are sure to bring joy and delight during this wonderful season!
Irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of the holiday season with these delectable Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor, these bars combine simple ingredients into a sweet treat that will delight your family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, they are sure to become a new holiday tradition!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in sprinkles gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
