Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of buttery sugar cookies with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly festive and easy to make, they are ideal for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 2 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• Holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it, or use parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and eggs to the butter mixture, and beat until smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture about half a cup at a time, stirring carefully until just combined.
6. Step 6: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. With lightly greased hands, press the batter evenly to fill the pan smoothly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
9. Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the butter until soft. Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth.
10. Step 10: Stir in the salt and vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar about half a cup at a time on low speed until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and thickness.
11. Step 11: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
12. Step 12: Decorate with holiday sprinkles and let the frosting set before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense almond flavor, increase the almond extract slightly or add chopped toasted almonds on top before frosting.
• You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple vanilla glaze for a lighter finish.
• Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened to achieve a smooth, creamy texture in both batter and frosting.
• Press the dough evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking and even frosting coverage.

Storage

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and refrigerate them un-frosted. Frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe. If using salted butter, reduce or omit any added salt for balance.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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These festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with a creamy cream cheese frosting, topped with colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they deliver the classic flavors of sugar cookies in an easy-to-cut bar form that’s convenient and crowd-pleasing.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
• Holiday sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your dough is ready to bake.
2. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it. This will help the bars release easily after baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 4 oz cream cheese, and 1 cup sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
4. Add Extracts and Eggs: Beat in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (if using), and the 2 large eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to ensure even distribution.
6. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually beat the flour mixture into the wet mixture about half at a time, mixing carefully to form the batter without overbeating.
7. Press Batter into Pan: Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and, using lightly greased hands, press it evenly to cover the entire pan surface.
8. Bake the Bars: Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
10. Prepare Frosting: Beat 1/2 cup butter until soft, then mix in 2 oz cream cheese until smooth.
11. Add Flavorings: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a balanced flavor.
12. Mix in Powdered Sugar: On low speed, gradually beat in 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and thickness.
13. Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and finish by sprinkling colorful holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Notes

• For best results, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to the vanilla.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup compared to foil.
• Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
• You can customize the sprinkles based on your holiday theme or omit them for a classic look.

Keywords: Christmas sugar cookie bars, holiday cookie bars, cream cheese frosting cookie bars, festive sugar cookies