Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars taste just like Christmas. Soft, sweet, and topped with frosting and sprinkles. I made them once—and now they’re a holiday must.

They’re way easier than rolling out dough. Just bake, frost, and slice.

If you want a quick treat that still feels festive, this is the one. Let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: This recipe has received rave reviews from readers who call it “delicious,” “super easy,” and “the perfect Christmas treat.”
• Easy and Quick to Make: These bars require only 10 minutes of prep time and bake in 20 minutes, so you can have fresh, warm cookies ready in no time.
• Chewy and Soft: The texture of these sugar cookie bars is melt-in-your-mouth soft with just the right amount of chewiness.
• No Rolling or Cutting: No need to roll dough or cut out individual cookies, saving you time and hassle.
• Perfect for Sharing: The large batch makes them ideal for gifting, holiday parties, or simply sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable Toppings: You can get creative with the sprinkles and frosting, making them as festive or simple as you like.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start making these delicious sugar cookie bars, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): To cream the butter and sugar, and to mix the frosting.
• 9×13 Baking Pan: This will be the pan you bake your cookie bars in.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: For lining or greasing the baking pan to prevent sticking.
• Spatula: For spreading the dough evenly in the pan and the frosting on top.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cookie bars before cutting them into squares.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookie bars:

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened (not melted): This provides the rich flavor and helps the dough come together.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the bars that classic sugar cookie flavor.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure and moisture to the bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting vanilla flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (see my notes below): The base of the dough. Be sure to measure it correctly (spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy).
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly and gives them their soft texture.
• ¼ cup festive sprinkles: A fun way to make your bars look extra festive. You can use red, green, or multicolored sprinkles depending on your preference.

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar: This creates the sweet base for the frosting.
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the frosting.
• 3 Tablespoons cream cheese, softened: Gives the frosting a tangy, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• 2 Tablespoons milk: Helps thin the frosting to the perfect consistency for spreading.
• Additional sprinkles: To decorate the bars and add an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Variations for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations and tips to make these bars even more personalized:

• Add Food Coloring: If you want to make your frosting extra festive, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting. You can create red, green, or even striped frosting for a fun twist!
• Use Different Sprinkles: Get creative with your sprinkles. You could use holiday-themed sprinkles like snowflakes, candy canes, or gold stars for a unique touch.
• Make the Bars Gluten-Free: You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re serving people with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to use one that works well in baking.
• Add a Hint of Almond Extract: For a twist on traditional sugar cookies, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough or frosting for extra flavor.
• Top with Crushed Candy Canes: For a peppermint twist, crush up a few candy canes and sprinkle them over the frosting for added flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray to ensure the bars come out easily after baking.

2. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your bars stay soft and chewy.

Once the dough comes together, fold in the festive sprinkles. This gives the dough a pop of color and makes it extra fun!

3. Press the Dough into the Pan

Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula. Make sure the dough is spread out to the edges of the pan so the bars bake evenly.

4. Bake the Sugar Cookie Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the bars should still be soft when you remove them from the oven.

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix on low speed until everything is combined. Once the mixture is smooth, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

6. Frost the Bars

Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be sure to cover all the edges for a beautiful finish.

7. Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle the additional sprinkles over the frosted bars for that festive touch! You can also add a few extra decorations like edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.

8. Cut and Serve

Cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles (about 16 to 24 pieces, depending on your preference). These are best enjoyed within a few days but will stay fresh for up to 1 week if stored properly.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These festive bars are a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering! Here are a few ways to serve them:

• At a Christmas Party: These bars are perfect for serving at a holiday cookie exchange or as part of a dessert spread at your Christmas party.
• With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing better than enjoying these sweet bars with a tall glass of cold milk, especially for the kids!
• As a Gift: Package these cookie bars in a cute tin or gift box to give as a thoughtful and delicious holiday present.
• For Breakfast (Yes, I said it!): If you’re feeling a little indulgent, pair these cookie bars with your morning coffee for a festive treat.

Storing Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature: These sugar cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them a little longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted bars for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply bake the bars, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the bars in the fridge and then frost them.

Estimated Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
Yield: 24 bars

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	240 kcal
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	100 mg
Total Carbohydrates	34 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Total Sugars	24 g
└ Includes Added Sugars	24 g
Protein	2 g
Calcium	10 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Potassium	30 mg

Conclusion

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the holiday season. They are easy to make, soft and chewy, and can be customized with different sprinkles or frosting flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, sending sweet gifts, or just looking for something fun to enjoy with family, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy the festive spirit!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can. If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness.

Can I make these sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I use different sprinkles?

Definitely! You can customize the sprinkles to match the theme of your party or your personal preferences. Red, green, white, or even gold sprinkles would be a festive touch.

How can I make these bars thicker?

If you want thicker bars, simply bake them in a smaller pan (8×8 or 9×9-inch) and increase the baking time slightly.