Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars. These soft, buttery cookie bars are topped with a creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party or enjoying a cozy treat at home, these bars will bring festive cheer to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• 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.
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 combined.
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, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and decorate with sprinkles.
8. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Flavor Variations: Add almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor twist.
• Frosting Options: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweet sugar cookies.
• Add-ins: Mix in some mini chocolate chips, colored sugars, or chopped candy canes to the dough or the frosting for extra fun.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter for the cookie dough? It’s best to use unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer will work just as well to cream the butter and sugar and mix the dough.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Margarine can be substituted for butter, but the texture and taste might differ slightly.
4. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
5. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. How can I make the frosting thicker? If the frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Can I make these sugar cookie bars without frosting? Yes, you can enjoy them without frosting for a simpler version, or dust them with powdered sugar instead.
8. How can I make the frosting spread more easily? If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
9. Can I use store-bought frosting? While homemade frosting is preferred for the best flavor, store-bought frosting can be used in a pinch.
10. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat for the holiday season. Their soft, chewy texture and creamy frosting make them an instant favorite at any holiday gathering. With endless ways to customize the recipe, you can easily make these bars your own, adding colors, sprinkles, or even flavored extracts. Whichever way you choose to prepare them, these bars are sure to spread some holiday cheer!

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