Nothing says the holidays quite like these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re thick, soft, and buttery with creamy vanilla-almond frosting that melts in your mouth. Topped with colorful sprinkles, these easy Christmas sugar cookie bars capture all the charm of classic cookies without any rolling or cutting. You’ll love how quickly they come together for parties, cookie exchanges, or last-minute baking. Each chewy bite tastes like Christmas magic, making them a family favorite all season long. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or pairing with a mug of cocoa, this soft sugar cookie recipe will be your new holiday tradition.
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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These frosted cookie bars for the holidays are pure joy in one pan. You’ll appreciate the quick prep and how easily the dough spreads. No chilling, no fuss. Each batch bakes up soft and chewy with that dreamy almond-vanilla flavor. They hold perfectly for days, making them a smart make-ahead dessert. You can even switch up the sprinkles or frosting colors for any celebration. Beginners love how easy they are, and everyone else loves how festive they look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Bars
Butter for richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth feel. Granulated and brown sugar for sweetness and soft texture. Egg for binding and moisture. Vanilla and almond extracts for a cozy holiday aroma. All-purpose flour for structure, cornstarch for extra softness, baking powder for lightness, and a touch of salt to balance flavor.
For the Frosting
Butter and powdered sugar for a fluffy, creamy base. Vanilla extract for warmth and heavy cream for smooth, spreadable texture. Sprinkles for color and crunch. Add food coloring for fun or swap in cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or foil. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together, then gently combine with the wet mixture until just blended. Avoid overmixing for soft bars.
Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly in the pan. Bake until the edges are slightly golden and the center looks just a bit underdone. This keeps the texture soft and chewy. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting
Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla and heavy cream, whipping until fluffy and light. If you need thicker frosting, add a little more sugar; for thinner, add a splash of cream.
Frost, Decorate & Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with festive decorations and slice into squares. For firmer frosting, chill briefly before cutting. They look beautiful on dessert trays and pair perfectly with a cup of festive white Christmas sangria.
Recipe Tips & Expert Notes
Always let the bars cool completely before frosting so it doesn’t melt. Don’t overbake; they’ll continue to cook a little after coming out of the oven. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can freeze them too; layer bars with parchment in a sealed container. Thaw at room temp before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Variations & Fun Twists
Color the frosting red and green for Christmas or pink for Valentine’s Day. Replace almond extract with peppermint for a frosty flavor. Add chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar for a festive twist. These bars are also perfect for birthdays or bake sales.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Store frosted bars in a sealed container in the fridge for up to seven days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months layered with parchment. Let them thaw fully at room temperature before serving. The bars stay soft, chewy, and delicious even after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you describe Christmas cookies?
They’re sweet, buttery, and festive, often decorated with sprinkles or frosting and filled with the cozy flavors of vanilla and almond.
What are some interesting facts about sugar cookies?
They began in Pennsylvania in the 1700s and were originally called Nazareth Cookies, becoming a Christmas favorite across generations.
Why do people like sugar cookies?
Their simple, buttery flavor and soft texture make them comforting and easy to enjoy. Plus, they’re fun to decorate.
Why are sugar cookies associated with Christmas?
They’ve been a holiday baking tradition for centuries, letting families decorate and share together during the festive season.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- lemon blueberry cookies for Christmas
- Christmas candy cane cookies
- buttery homemade Christmas butter cookies
- peppermint brownies rich fudgy Christmas treat
- gingerbread muffins for the holidays
Conclusion
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring classic holiday comfort in every bite. Soft, chewy, and covered in creamy frosting, they’re perfect for gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights at home. They look as joyful as they taste, making them a must-have on any dessert table. Bake a batch, share with friends, and pin this recipe to keep the magic going. For more festive recipes, visit my Pinterest page.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Parchment paper or foil
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter, softened (for frosting)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Heavy cream
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or foil.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spread dough evenly in prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes, until edges are golden and center looks slightly underdone.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla and heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, add sprinkles, slice, and serve. Chill briefly for firmer frosting if desired.
