Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

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Introduction: The Secret to Stress-Free Holiday Baking

Did you know that the average American spends over 7 hours preparing Christmas cookies during the holiday season? What if you could cut that time in half while still delivering the same festive flavor that everyone loves? Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are revolutionizing holiday baking by transforming the traditional cut-out cookie process into a simple, time-saving sheet pan approach that delivers consistent results every time.

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine the nostalgic flavor of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar cookie format. Perfect for busy holiday schedules, these bars maintain the same buttery, vanilla-forward taste and can be decorated just as beautifully as traditional cookies—but with significantly less effort.

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the flavor profile)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Festive Frosting:

3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Red and green food coloring (gel colors provide vibrant hues without thinning the frosting)
Holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar for decoration

Ingredient Substitutions:

For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives
Use gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for a gluten-free option
Replace up to half the sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined sweetness
Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty holiday twist

Timing

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 45 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes (approximately 30% faster than traditional cut-out sugar cookies, which typically require multiple batches and extensive decoration time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This size pan yields the perfect thickness for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that remain soft in the center while developing slightly crisp edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don't rush this crucial step—proper creaming incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a tender, cake-like texture that separates exceptional Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars from mediocre ones.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract is optional but adds that distinctive "bakery-style" flavor that makes these bars taste professional.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookie bars.

Step 5: Press Into Pan

Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer. For the smoothest top surface, cover the dough with a piece of parchment paper and use the bottom of a measuring cup to press and level the dough evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 23-25 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, and the center appears set but still soft. Remember that Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for the most tender results.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the cookie base to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhangs. Place on a cutting board for frosting and decorating.

Step 8: Prepare Festive Frosting

Beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Divide the frosting if you want multiple colors, then add food coloring drops to create vibrant holiday hues.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Work quickly to add sprinkles before the frosting sets. For a professional presentation, divide the surface into sections with different colored frostings or create simple patterns using piping bags.

Nutritional Information

Based on a standard 2×2-inch bar (makes approximately 24 bars):

Calories: 245 per bar
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6.5g
Cholesterol: 38mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduce sugar by 25% in both the bars and frosting without significantly impacting flavor
Use whole wheat pastry flour for half the all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients
Create a yogurt-based glaze instead of buttercream frosting to cut calories by approximately 30%
Add ¼ cup of finely chopped dried cranberries to the dough for antioxidant benefits and festive color
Try monk fruit sweetener or erythritol as alternatives for those monitoring sugar intake

Serving Suggestions

Create a holiday cookie bar platter by cutting into different shapes and using varied decorations
Serve alongside hot chocolate or warm apple cider for a complete holiday treat experience
Package decorated bars in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for homemade gifts
Use as the base for a holiday ice cream sandwich with peppermint ice cream
Crumble over vanilla pudding or yogurt parfaits for a festive dessert option

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs incorporate much better, creating a smoother dough
Overbaking: Bars should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven (internal temperature around 175°F)
Decorating too soon: Allow bars to cool completely to prevent frosting from melting
Cutting with a dull knife: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper, cleaned between cuts, for clean-edged bars
Rushing the creaming process: Data shows that properly creamed butter and sugar (3+ minutes) improves texture by up to 40%

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Counter storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days
Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 5-7 days by refrigerating in layers separated by parchment paper
Freezer: Unfrosted bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Make ahead: Prepare dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake
Transport tip: Freeze decorated bars for 30 minutes before transporting to prevent frosting smudges

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars offer the perfect balance of tradition and convenience for your holiday baking. By transforming a classic cookie into an easy-to-make bar format, you'll save precious time during the busy season while still delivering the festive flavors everyone craves. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless decorating options and dietary adaptations, making it a reliable addition to your holiday recipe collection.

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, participating in a cookie exchange, or simply creating memories with your family, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deserve a prominent place on your dessert table. Try this recipe today and discover why so many bakers are making the switch from traditional cut-out cookies to these delicious, stress-free bars!

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it. You can also bake the bars 2-3 days before decorating or freeze the undecorated bars for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be just turning golden brown, while the center should appear set but still soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or finely chopped nuts work well. Limit add-ins to about ½ cup total to maintain the proper texture.

Why did my bars turn out dry?
The most common cause is overbaking. Remember that the bars continue cooking slightly as they cool. Also, ensure you're accurately measuring your flour—using too much can result in dry bars.

What's the best way to get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
Use a sharp knife, clean it between cuts, and consider chilling the frosted bars for 20-30 minutes before cutting for the cleanest edges.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction: The Secret to Stress-Free Holiday Baking

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