These bars are super easy to make, perfect for those busy holiday weeks when you’re juggling shopping, decorating, and planning. Honestly, if I can manage to throw these together between my to-do list, anyone can! I like to get the kids involved too; they enjoy sprinkling the festive decorations on top. What’s better than a holiday baking session that ends with a cozy family gathering munching on warm, soft cookie bars? Just imagine that sweet scent filling your home! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly winter day.
When I make these, I can’t help but feel nostalgic. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen, surrounded by laughter and the aroma of sugar cookies. It’s a tradition I’ve carried on, hoping to create those same memories for my children. The best part about these bars is that they are chewy and delicious, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for cookie platters or just a quick after-school snack.
So, whether you’re entertaining guests or just want to whip up a batch for your family, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on making these delightful, festive treats that will warm your hearts and your tummies this season!
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- Holiday sprinkles for topping
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then give it a light greasing.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is fluffy. Add in the granulated sugar, and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
- Stir in both the vanilla and almond extracts, along with the eggs. Make sure everything gets mixed together beautifully.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, adding them in two stages and mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using your hands (lightly greased) to spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
Storing Suggestion
These delicious cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving so they soften up a bit!
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to play around with flavors, consider adding in a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy kick or swapping out the vanilla extract for other flavors like peppermint during the holidays. You can also adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as they are, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re also fantastic paired with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, making for a cozy treat after a busy day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different but still delicious frosting. You can even use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Just ensure you adjust the wet and dry ingredients accordingly!
Seasonal Variations
Feel free to adjust these cookie bars based on seasonal flavors. For example, in the summer, you can switch things up by adding crushed strawberries or blueberries instead of sprinkles. For fall, pumpkin spice seasoning can add a nice twist!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, which are common allergens. If you need to make it allergy-friendly, you could use gluten-free flour blends and non-dairy cream cheese. Just make sure the other ingredients you choose are also compliant with your dietary needs.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
Yes! You can definitely freeze these bars. Once they are completely cooled and frosted, wrap them securely in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They should last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving, and they will taste just as yummy!
2. How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The best way to check if your bars are done is to look for a slightly golden edge and a set center. Additionally, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet batter should be attached.
3. What’s the best way to store any leftover frosting?
If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good mix before using again, as it may harden slightly in the fridge. You can also use it to frost other baked goods!
4. Can I use different extracts for flavoring?
Absolutely! Vanilla and almond extracts are great, but you can also substitute with things like lemon or orange extract for a refreshing twist. Just remember that some extracts are stronger than others, so adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!
5. How do I make the frosting more colorful?
If you want to add some fun colors to your frosting, simply use food coloring. Gel food colorings work especially well because they won’t alter the consistency of your frosting as much as liquid colors can. Mix in small amounts until you reach your desired color. It’s a festive touch, especially for holiday gatherings!
6. Can children help with this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen. They can assist with mixing the ingredients, spreading the batter in the pan, and, of course, sprinkling the holiday toppings on the frosted bars. Just supervise them, especially during baking, to ensure safety.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 oz cream cheese for frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for frosting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and eggs until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the butter mixture in two parts until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and press it down evenly with lightly greased hands.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
- For frosting, beat the butter until soft, then add the cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Add the salt and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, until desired sweetness and consistency are achieved.
- Frost the cooled bars and top with festive holiday sprinkles. Slice into bars and serve.
