Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting); 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s something truly magical about baking a treat that looks as festive as it tastes. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasers—soft, buttery, and topped with a smooth layer of vanilla frosting, all dressed up in red, green, and white sprinkles. They bring the nostalgic comfort of classic sugar cookies, minus the rolling and cutting.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, potlucks, or cozy nights in with a cup of hot cocoa, these bars are easy to make but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. They’re thick and chewy with a light crumb, making them ideal for stacking, gifting, and snacking straight off the tray.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To whip up the perfect batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, a few tools are key to getting that soft, uniform texture:

Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size ensures the bars bake evenly with a thick, cookie-like bite.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out for clean slicing.

Offset Spatula: Helps spread both the dough and the frosting evenly.
Cooling Rack: Cools the bars quickly and evenly before frosting.

Having these tools on hand makes the process smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on the fun part—decorating and tasting!

Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps these bars moist and flavorful. Softened butter is a must for that signature tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the golden edges.
Eggs: Add structure and moisture, binding everything together.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and balances the buttery richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie base, offering the perfect structure.
Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the bars light yet dense.

Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Frosting (Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, Milk): Creamy, smooth, and sweet—perfect for spreading over the cooled bars.
Holiday Sprinkles: Adds that festive flair and a little crunch.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures your bars have a soft, tender base with a fine crumb.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This will give your dough richness and a subtle sweetness that shines through after baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Press and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Use your hands or an offset spatula to smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once cool, spread your vanilla frosting evenly across the top. Add sprinkles generously while the frosting is still soft. Chill for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares.

These sugar cookie bars are best served at room temperature, which allows their buttery texture and sweet frosting to truly shine. They make a gorgeous addition to holiday dessert platters and are perfect for stacking into treat boxes for gifting.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make them ahead, they also freeze beautifully—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for light golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger sheet pan and keep an eye on the baking time. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

What kind of frosting works best?

A classic vanilla buttercream works beautifully here. You can also add almond extract or a hint of peppermint for a twist.

Can I color the frosting?

Yes! Feel free to tint the frosting with gel food coloring to match your holiday theme.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Nope! One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s a quick mix-and-bake. No chilling required.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting works in a pinch. But homemade gives a richer, creamier flavor.

If these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars brought a little sparkle to your baking season, you’ll love diving into more festive and flavorful cookie creations. Check out these other sweet treats from Life With Olivia:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
• Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake if you’re in the mood for soft peanut buttery decadence.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for a no-fuss chocolate fix.
• Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting if you’re into spiced, frosted delights.
• Coconut Snowballs for a wintry bite-sized treat that’s great for gifting.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra sprinkles or swap the frosting flavor? Did the kids get involved with decorating?

I love hearing how others bring their own holiday magic to these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s make the season sweet together!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, buttery, and perfectly festive, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring all the cheer of traditional cookies with none of the hassle. Topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles, they’re a holiday favorite for parties, gifting, or just indulging at home.