Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Ah, the joyous season is upon us once again! As the chilly winds start to whisper the tunes of jingle bells, there’s nothing more heartwarming than filling your home with the scent of freshly baked goodies. Today, I am beyond thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a savior when you’re short on time and need to whip up something splendidly festive. Yes, I’m talking about the delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

These bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies, but without the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. Imagine soft, chewy layers speckled with cheerful holiday colors, topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that melts divinely in your mouth. Let’s dive into this festive treat that promises to light up your holiday spread!

Ingredients

For the cookie bars:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (plus extra for topping)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Red and green food coloring (optional)

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang for easy removal.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
5. Press the dough into the pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Make the frosting: Beat together butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If desired, divide and color some frosting with food coloring for a festive look.
7. Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles. If using different colored frostings, have fun creating designs.
8. Cut into bars: Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Helpful Tips

• Even baking: To ensure your bars cook evenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
• Smooth frosting: For an ultra-smooth frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing.

Substitutions/Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookie bars accessible to everyone.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese for the frosting. Substitute the egg with an appropriate vegan alternative like applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in advance? Absolutely! These bars can be made up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the day you plan to serve them for the best presentation.

Can I freeze sugar cookie bars? Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly without the frosting and freeze for up to 3 months.

Storage Instructions

Store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer, refrigerate them to keep the frosting firm, especially if your kitchen is warm.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you might also enjoy:

• Christmas Popcorn

There you have it, my dear baking enthusiasts! Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that are as joyful to make as they are to eat. Get your apron on, turn up the holiday music, and let’s make this season deliciously unforgettable! Happy baking!

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