Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make dessert that combines the beloved flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars. These soft, buttery treats are topped with a creamy frosting and decorated with sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to enjoy a sweet holiday treat, these sugar cookie bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 5-6 tbsp heavy cream
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
4. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.
6. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to the frosting.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles.
8. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (not including cooling time)
• Servings: 24 squares

Variations

• Flavored Frosting: Experiment with different extracts in the frosting, such as almond or peppermint, to give the bars a unique flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookie bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Sprinkle Options: Choose holiday-themed sprinkles like red and green or themed shapes like snowflakes or stars for a festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cookie bars warm, you can microwave them for a few seconds, but they are delicious even at room temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be substituted, though butter gives the bars a richer flavor.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze these cookie bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars without frosting for up to 3 months. Frost them after thawing.
4. How can I make these cookie bars dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and powdered sugar to make the recipe dairy-free.
5. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? You can try reducing the sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the bars.
6. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Can I use a different pan size? If you use a different pan size, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid over-baking.
8. Can I make the frosting without heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
9. Can I decorate these bars with icing instead of frosting? Yes, royal icing or colored icing would work well for decoration.
10. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? If using self-rising flour, omit the baking soda and salt from the recipe.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are an ideal holiday treat that combines the best parts of sugar cookies—soft, chewy texture and sweet, buttery flavor—with the convenience of being served as bars. Easy to make, customizable with sprinkles and food coloring, and perfect for any holiday celebration, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this festive dessert with a cup of hot cocoa or as part of a holiday dessert spread!

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