Nothing signals the arrival of the holiday season quite like the delightful scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Among the various festive treats, Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stand out not only for their scrumptiousness but also for their festive charm. This easy-to-make recipe gives you all the classic flavor of traditional sugar cookies but in a conveniently baked bar form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a party, or simply wishing to indulge in a sweet treat, these cookie bars provide a joyful, tasty, and visually appealing way to celebrate.
Why We Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a go-to dessert during the holiday season for several reasons. First and foremost, their ease of preparation makes them appealing to bakers of all ages and skill levels. You can whip up a batch in no time, which means more moments spent with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Additionally, these bars can be decorated in countless festive ways. You have the freedom to choose your favorite sprinkles or even add seasonal decorations to make them more personal. They are suitable for any occasion, from family dinners to cookie exchanges, and they are sure to impress your guests with their soft, chewy texture and delightful flavor. The best part? You can enjoy them warm from the oven or allow them to chill with frosting for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To make your delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Directions
Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a straightforward process that goes as follows. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the bars will bake evenly and thoroughly.
Next, prepare your 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This creates a non-stick surface that makes it easier to remove the bars once they cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This step is crucial, as it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving the bars a lighter texture.
Once your creamed mixture is ready, add in 1 large egg, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix these thoroughly until they are well combined; this will create a rich flavor base for your cookie bars.
Now, it’s time to add your dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 1 & 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mixture should be gradually added to the wet batter. Stir gently just until the dry ingredients disappear, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Next, spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Don’t worry if the center looks slightly undercooked; it will firm up while cooling.
While your bars are baking, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, whip together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until they are fully combined. This will create a rich base for your frosting. Next, add in 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly across the top. Decorate with your favorite Christmas-themed sprinkles for an added festive touch. You can either serve them immediately or let the frosting set in the refrigerator for a firmer finish.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Serving your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is part of the fun! Once you’ve frosted them, you can slice them into squares, rectangles, or whatever shape you fancy. They can be served on a festive plate, which will add an extra layer of holiday cheer to your presentation.
These bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. You can serve them at family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy during holiday movie marathons. Consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of holiday spice tea. Alternatively, for a twist, you might enjoy them with a warm beverage like hot chocolate for that extra cozy feel.
For added festive flair, bring them to a potluck or gift them to neighbors as a sweet holiday surprise. Regardless of how you serve them, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Expert Tips: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Creating the perfect batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars can be effortless with the right tips. First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter once mixed with the sugars.
If you desire a festive flavor twist, think about adding a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to your flour mixture. This can enhance the aroma and give a unique holiday feel to your cookie bars.
Be cautious with the baking time—check them around the 15-minute mark. Each oven is a bit different, so you may find that you need to adjust your time slightly. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, which isn’t ideal.
Lastly, for the frosting, if you like an extra layer of sweetness, feel free to experiment with the heavy cream quantity. Adjusting it can make the frosting softer or firmer, depending on your preference.
How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
To maximize freshness, store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars properly. After they have cooled and the frosting has set, you can place them in an airtight container. Depending on your pantry, they can be stored at room temperature for about 3-4 days.
However, if you’d like them to last a little longer, consider refrigerating them. This can keep them fresh for about a week. Just remember that chilling may change the texture slightly, so it’s best to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Should you wish to freeze them for later enjoyment, cut them into squares and separate layers with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Variation of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to variations of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Simple substitutions can elevate your recipe to new heights.
If you want to switch things up, consider replacing traditional sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a peppermint flavor. This can also add a delightful crunch.
You could also consider adding mini chocolate chips to the batter for those who enjoy a chocolatey twist. Alternatively, try incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the batter to create a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
For a festive twist, you might even explore different frostings—think cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache. Each variation opens up new opportunities for flavor combinations that can delight the palate.
FAQs about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
You might have questions about making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, and that’s completely normal! Here are some commonly asked questions that may help clarify any doubts.
Can I make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in advance?
Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made a day or two in advance. If you choose to make them ahead, store them in the refrigerator after frosting to keep them fresh.
How do I ensure my cookie bars remain soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking! Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remember that they will continue to cook once removed. Follow the suggested cooling time to maintain their chewy texture.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! They freeze exceptionally well. Just slice and place them in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to ensure easy access.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your preference or you have an allergy, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different yet delightful flavor.
How should I store leftover sugar cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them to prolong freshness. If you freeze them, ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Cookie Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened for the cookie base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened for the frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the frosting
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Christmas sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. Allow to cool.
Frosting
- In a clean bowl, whip together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating the mixture until light and fluffy.
Finishing Touches
- Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly across the top.
- Decorate with Christmas-themed sprinkles.
- Slice into squares and serve.
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