The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

These holiday Christmas sugar cookie bars are a simple and delicious dessert that you can make and enjoy anytime! Their rich flavor and soft texture make them perfect for festive gatherings, family celebrations, or just a cozy night in. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also allow for creative decorating with vibrant sprinkles, adding a fun touch to your holiday treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these bars up in no time.
• Deliciously Soft: The combination of butter and sugars creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Versatile Decor: You can customize the toppings with different sprinkles or frosting for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into bars, they’re easy to share at parties or give as gifts to loved ones.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You likely have everything you need in your kitchen already.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×9 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into the mixture, ensuring a fluffy texture in your bars.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment simplifies removal and cleanup.

Ingredients

These holiday Christmas sugar cookie bars are a simple and delicious dessert that you can make and enjoy anytime!

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Christmas sprinkles

How to Make The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough. This step ensures that the cookie bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Use a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add:
1. The egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. The baking powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Spread it evenly:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden around the edges.
2. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

In a clean bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter, remaining vanilla extract, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if needed.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, spread the frosting over your cookie base:
1. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.
2. Cut into squares to serve.

Enjoy these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars at your next holiday gathering!

How to Serve The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

These delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars can be served in various ways to enhance their festive appeal. Here are some fun serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter and sprinkle with colorful Christmas sprinkles for a joyful presentation.

Individual Portions

• Cut the bars into single servings and place them in festive cupcake liners for a cute, party-ready treat.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve warm cookie bars alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows for a cozy winter pairing.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookie bars. This makes for an indulgent treat!

Giftable Treats

• Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon to create homemade gifts that friends and family will love.

How to Perfect The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

To ensure your Christmas sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavors.

• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before icing to prevent melting and uneven frosting.

Best Side Dishes for The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

These Christmas sugar cookie bars pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Consider these delightful options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed fruits adds a burst of natural sweetness and color to your dessert spread.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookie bars, making for a sophisticated pairing.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie bar into melted chocolate for a rich treat.

4. Coffee or Tea: Serving coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the sugar cookies while providing a warm beverage option.

5. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds creaminess that pairs delightfully with each bite of your cookie bar.

6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over each bar for an indulgent twist that adds richness and flavor depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the best Christmas sugar cookie bars, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for perfect results every time.

• Skipping the room temperature butter – Using cold butter can lead to dense bars. Always allow your butter to soften at room temperature for a fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Over-measuring flour can result in dry bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring chilling time – Rushing the chilling process can affect the texture. Allow your cookie bars adequate time in the fridge for best results.
• Using outdated baking powder – Expired baking powder won’t give your bars the rise they need. Always check the expiration date before using it.
• Overbaking the bars – Baking them too long can make them hard. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re just set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will stay good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating The best Christmas sugar cookie bars

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until just heated through.
• Microwave – Heat each bar on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy warm!
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, heating for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are The best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

The best Christmas sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy dessert bars that bring festive flavors and joy to any holiday gathering.

Can I customize The best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or different sprinkles to personalize these delicious treats according to your taste.

How do I know when The best Christmas sugar cookie bars are done?

Look for a light golden edge and a slightly soft center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

What is the nutritional information for The best Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Each bar has approximately 185 calories, with 23g of carbohydrates and 10g of fat, making it a delightful treat during holidays!

Final Thoughts

These holiday cookies are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Their simplicity allows you to experiment with various toppings and flavors, making them versatile enough for any occasion. Try making your own version of the best Christmas sugar cookie bars today!