I was in the thick of holiday shopping when I caught a whiff of nostalgia wafting through the air—a sweet, buttery aroma that took me straight back to baking in my grandmother's cozy kitchen. That’s when the urge struck: it was time to whip up a batch of Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! These delightful treats are not just quick to make, but they're also a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Imagine the joy as you cut into warm, soft bars, their festive sprinkles glistening like little gems. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or frosted for an extra touch of sweetness, they're a cheerful addition to any holiday celebration. Are you ready to bring a little joy to your kitchen this season? Let’s get baking!
Why Are These Cookie Bars Irresistible?
Simplicity is key: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up without breaking a sweat. Bursting with Flavor: The delightful combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates a warm, inviting aroma that’s sure to get everyone in the festive spirit. Versatile Treat: Perfect on their own or topped with frosting, these bars are adaptable for any holiday gathering. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to friends, you’ll receive compliments left and right! Don’t forget to check out our tips on Serving Suggestions for even more festive inspiration!
Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups, the main structure that gives the bars their tender texture.
• Baking powder – 1 tsp, helps the cookie bars rise beautifully.
• Salt – ½ tsp, enhances the sweetness, balancing flavors.
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened, creating a rich, creamy base for flavor.
• Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups, sweetens the batter for perfect cookie flavor.
• Large egg – 1, binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp, infuses a classic sweetness into the bars.
• Almond extract – ½ tsp, adds a delightful nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
For Topping
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup, sprinkle on top for a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
• Red and green sprinkles – For decoration, adding a festive touch that makes these bars shine!
• Optional: Frosting – 1 cup, use store-bought or homemade to add even more sweetness.
These Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple yet decadent treat that will surely warm your heart and home this holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with softened butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come out easily. This preparation step sets the stage for perfectly baked, delicious cookie bars.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mixture is crucial as it will give structure to your bars. Set aside for later, allowing the rising agents to mingle until you're ready to combine them with the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your cookie bars.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. The aroma of vanilla and almond will fill your kitchen, perfectly signaling that you’re on the right path to your festive treats.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually mix the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture, keeping the mixer on low speed to avoid flour clouds in your kitchen. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, the foundation for your delicious Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
Step 6: Spread the Cookie Dough
Pour the cookie dough into the greased baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Take your time to ensure it's spread smoothly, filling every corner of the pan. This even spreading is essential for uniform baking and achieving that lovely golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Sprinkle the Sugar
Before baking, sprinkle ¼ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the cookie dough. This will create a delightful, sweet, and slightly crunchy topping. It enhances both the flavor and the appearance of your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, making them even more inviting!
Step 8: Bake the Bars
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and once the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s time to take them out. The aroma wafting from the oven will be the perfect precursor to the taste sensation awaiting you.
Step 9: Cool and Set
Once baked, remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it helps the bars set and makes it easier to cut them without crumbling. The anticipation builds as they cool!
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
If you desire, once completely cooled, frost the cookie bars with your choice of frosting—store-bought or homemade. For an extra special touch, top your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with red and green sprinkles, ensuring each bar is a festive delight ready for cutting into squares.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Now, it’s time to cut your beautifully adorned cookie bars into squares and serve them. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying as a festive snack at home. The smiles they'll bring are the best reward for your home-cooking endeavor!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Delight in creating a full holiday spread that beautifully complements these sweet, buttery treats.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A cup of creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the softness of the cookie bars, enhancing their sweetness with its chocolaty goodness.
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Peppermint Bark: These crunchy, minty bites add a holiday zest to your dessert table, bringing a refreshing contrast to the cookie bars' sweet flavors.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm for a comforting drink that enhances the festive spirit, with its blend of spices perfectly matching the cookie bars' warm vanilla and almond undertones.
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Classic Ice Cream: Vanilla bean or peppermint ice cream is a delightful contrast, providing a creamy texture that perfectly balances the chewy cookie bars.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Introduce a little cheer by serving both desserts together—gingerbread's spices harmonize beautifully with the sugar cookie base, creating a wonderful holiday duet.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh seasonal fruits like cranberries, pomegranates, and oranges brighten up your dessert spread, adding a refreshing crunch and beautiful color alongside the cookie bars.
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Eggnog: Whether spiked or not, a glass of eggnog adds a rich, creamy element that is quintessentially festive and pairs perfectly with every bite of those festive Christmas sugar cookie bars.
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Frosted Cookies: Offer an assortment of frosted cookies in different flavors to create a festive cookie exchange vibe—perfect for filling your table with variety and cheer!
With these delightful additions, you’ll craft a feast that celebrates sweetness and warmth, just like the holiday season!
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients, then refrigerating the dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to bake, simply let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then spread it in the pan and bake as directed. For added convenience, you can also bake the bars ahead of time and store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost just before serving to ensure the frosting remains vibrant and fresh. Enjoy the joy of baking without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending, yielding a fluffier, softer cookie bar.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture in your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool before cutting; this prevents them from crumbling and helps maintain their shape.
- Even Sprinkling: When adding the granulated sugar on top, distribute it evenly to ensure every bite has that delightful crunch!
- Add Frosting Sparingly: If using frosting, don’t drown the bars—just a light layer will complement, not overpower, the cookie’s flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll remain soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking.
Fridge: If you need longer storage, refrigerate the cookie bars for up to 2 weeks. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but they will still taste delicious.
Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the cookie bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds. This will restore their fresh-baked softness, making those Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars irresistible again!
Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to tailor your cookie bars to match your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for everyone to enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
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Nut-Free: Skip the almond extract altogether or replace it with an extra splash of vanilla extract to keep the flavor pop.
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Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before spreading it in the pan. The melty chocolate is a decadent surprise!
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Citrus Zest Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor.
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Spice it Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that perfectly suits the season.
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Frosting Flavor Change: Experiment with different frostings—try cream cheese frosting for tanginess or a chocolate ganache for richness.
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Extra Crunch: Top your cookie bars with crushed nuts or oats before baking for an added crunch that brings texture to each bite.
Each of these variations adds a delightful twist to your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, ensuring every batch feels unique. Check out our Serving Suggestions for more ideas on how to present these festive treats! And remember, the joy lies in creating something special, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for the recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose unsalted butter that is soft but not melted—this will help create a light and fluffy texture. When selecting your eggs, look for ones that are fresh with a clean shell. For the extracts, opt for pure almond and vanilla extract over imitation for a richer flavor!
How should I store and for how long can I keep the cookie bars?
Very important! Keep your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to prolong their life, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, but know that the texture may be slightly firmer. Always ensure they are wrapped well to maintain moisture!
What are the proper freezing instructions for these cookie bars?
To freeze your cookie bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and if you'd like them warm again, a quick microwave zap for a few seconds will do the trick!
What should I do if my cookie bars turn out too dry?
If you find your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are too dry, it's often due to overmixing or baking for too long. For the future, be careful to mix until just combined, and check on them while baking. Remember, every oven is different; when in doubt, start checking a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. If they’re still too dry, serve with a dollop of frosting or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture and flavor!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! If you're serving to guests with allergies, ensure they are aware that these cookie bars contain gluten, dairy, and eggs. For our furry friends, these cookies aren’t suitable; the sugar and butter can upset their digestive systems. Always have pet-friendly treats on hand if you’re hosting with pets around!
Delicious Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with softened butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the cookie dough into the greased baking pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of the cookie dough before baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Frost with your choice of frosting and top with sprinkles if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve.
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