Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious treats! If you’re searching for a festive dessert that captures the essence of the season, look no further than these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. These bars combine all the classic flavors of traditional sugar cookies in a convenient and shareable format. With their buttery richness and sweet vanilla flavor, each bite is a taste of holiday cheer. Not only are they easy to make, but they also come together quickly with minimal fuss—perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for the perfect treat to share at an office party, these cookie bars will be a hit! Top them off with colorful icing and festive sprinkles to elevate their appearance and make them even more inviting. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these beautiful and tasty Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Suggestions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Use Fresh Ingredients
• Measure Accurately
• Don’t Overmix the Dough
• Allow Sufficient Cooling Time
• FAQs
• What makes Christmas sugar cookie bars different from regular sugar cookies?
• How do I store my Christmas sugar cookie bars?
• Can I customize my Christmas sugar cookie bars?
• Are there any gluten-free options for Christmas sugar cookie bars?
• Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of vanilla extract and buttery goodness creates a rich flavor that everyone will adore
• Customizable Topping: Feel free to decorate these bars with your favorite icing or toppings to suit your style or occasion

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie bars; be sure to measure accurately for the best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; using fine sugar helps achieve a smooth dough.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for optimal blending into the dough.
• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together; it should be at room temperature before use.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookie bars rise nicely.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor that enhances your cookie bars’ taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (9×13 inches) with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in one egg followed by vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until mixed evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Spread Batter in Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface so it bakes uniformly.

Step 5: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Once cooled, cut them into squares and decorate as desired.

Transfer to plates and serve for your holiday gatherings!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Baking: Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer for consistent results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to sit out before baking; this helps them mix together smoothly.
• Creative Decorating: Let kids help decorate with icing or sprinkles; it’s a fun activity that enhances family bonding during holidays.

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How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweetness of the cookie bars, creating a delightful holiday treat.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream adds creaminess and a festive touch to your dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the bars, offering a light contrast during holiday feasts.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

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Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars up to two days in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Storing: After baking, store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: To enjoy your cookie bars warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their soft texture and flavor.

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Suggestions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best results when making Christmas sugar cookie bars. Stale or expired ingredients can alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder, flour, and other dry ingredients. Fresh butter is also essential; it should be soft but not melted. If possible, use high-quality extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance the flavor profile. Don’t forget to use room temperature eggs, as this will help them blend more easily into the dough. By prioritizing freshness, you will create delicious bars that everyone will love.

Measure Accurately

Accurate measurement is key when making Christmas sugar cookie bars. Baking requires precision, so using a kitchen scale can help ensure that you measure your ingredients correctly. For flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can pack it in and lead to dry cookies. Additionally, remember that liquid ingredients should be measured in a clear liquid measuring cup for accuracy. Properly measuring your ingredients will lead to a better texture and taste in your cookie bars.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing the dough can lead to tough Christmas sugar cookie bars rather than soft and chewy ones. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. This will keep gluten development at bay and maintain a tender texture in your cookie bars. It’s okay if there are still some small lumps; they will disappear during baking. After adding in any mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles, fold them in gently to avoid overworking the dough further, ensuring a perfect end result.

Allow Sufficient Cooling Time

Cooling time is vital for achieving the perfect texture in Christmas sugar cookie bars. After baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up slightly without becoming overly crumbly. If you cut them while they are too warm, they may fall apart or lose their shape. Once completely cooled, feel free to frost or decorate as desired! Allowing sufficient cooling time ensures that your bars maintain their structure and look beautiful when served.

FAQs

What makes Christmas sugar cookie bars different from regular sugar cookies?

Christmas sugar cookie bars differ from traditional sugar cookies primarily in their preparation method and presentation. Instead of rolling out individual cookie shapes, you make one large batch of dough that you spread into a baking pan and then cut into squares once baked. This method saves time during busy holiday preparations while still delivering all the classic flavors of traditional sugar cookies. Often, festive decorations like colored icing or sprinkles are added on top after cooling to enhance their holiday appeal.

How do I store my Christmas sugar cookie bars?

To store your Christmas sugar cookie bars properly, wait until they have cooled completely before placing them in an airtight container. Layer sheets of parchment paper between each layer of bars to prevent sticking and maintain freshness. They can be stored at room temperature for about 3-5 days or kept in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer chilled treats. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Can I customize my Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Christmas sugar cookie bars is their versatility. You can easily customize the flavors by adding different extracts such as peppermint or almond instead of vanilla. Consider incorporating various mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor complexity. You can also adjust toppings by using white chocolate drizzle or colorful sprinkles that align with your holiday theme for visually appealing treats that stand out at gatherings.

Are there any gluten-free options for Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Yes! You can make gluten-free Christmas sugar cookie bars by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available on the market today. Be sure to choose a blend designed specifically for baking as it often contains xanthan gum which mimics gluten’s binding properties necessary for structure. Follow a reliable gluten-free recipe tailored for cookies to ensure proper ratios and adaptations are made for optimal results; this way everyone can enjoy these festive treats regardless of dietary restrictions!

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Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Creating delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars involves careful attention to detail from ingredient selection to baking techniques. Using fresh ingredients ensures optimal flavor while accurate measurements contribute significantly to achieving the right texture you desire in these festive treats. Avoid overmixing the dough and allow adequate cooling time before decorating to achieve beautifully shaped bars that hold their form well when cut.