Description
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into deliciously thick bars and topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a smooth, sweet frosting that is easy to make and sure to impress friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 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
Frosting
- 4 tbsp butter, salted or unsalted, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, then beat until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Bake the Bars: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spread the cookie dough evenly into the pan. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with additional cream or powdered sugar if needed.
- Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with Christmas sprinkles as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie bars are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and cream substitutes.
- Sprinkles can be customized to match any holiday theme or omitted altogether.
