The aroma of sugar cookies baking is practically synonymous with Christmas. But this year, let’s ditch the rolling pin and fussy cut-outs and embrace the sheer joy of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! These bars deliver all the comforting flavor of classic sugar cookies but in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy, buttery square of sugar cookie goodness, adorned with festive sprinkles – pure holiday bliss! This recipe is perfect for busy bakers, last-minute gatherings, or anyone who wants a sweet taste of Christmas without spending hours in the kitchen.
As a seasoned home baker, I’ve spent years perfecting my sugar cookie recipe. After countless batches and variations, I’ve discovered the secret to achieving that perfect balance of soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. I’m thrilled to share this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars adaptation with you, a recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. This recipe is trending this holiday season because it’s the perfect intersection of festive cheer and baking convenience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!
Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Cookie Bars
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars so irresistible. Quality ingredients are key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bars. Bleached or unbleached works fine. Be sure to measure correctly, spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense bars.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the bars’ soft texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that classic buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Butter, being a saturated fat, contributes to the tenderness of the cookie bar.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, inviting aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation vanilla lacks the depth.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, ensuring the bars rise properly and become light and airy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Sprinkles: The festive touch! Use your favorite holiday-themed sprinkles to add color and cheer.
Ingredient Substitutions
Need to make a substitution? Here are a few suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative that’s designed for baking.
- Sugar-Free: Use your favorite sugar substitute, keeping in mind that some substitutes may affect the texture.
Expert Tips for Sugar Cookie Bar Success
After many test batches, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars every time.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent the bars from spreading too thin. However, it’s not essential, especially if you’re short on time.
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for the most even results.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly. The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This prevents them from crumbling.
Storage & Substitutions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Here’s how to keep your sugar cookie bars fresh and delicious.
Storage
Store the cooled Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Substitution Ideas
- Extract Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond, lemon, or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
- Frosting: While these bars are delicious on their own, you can also frost them with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Food Coloring: Tint the batter with food coloring to create festive, colorful bars.
FAQ About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a great make-ahead treat. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can. However, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon to compensate.
My bars are too dry. What did I do wrong?
The most common cause of dry sugar cookie bars is overbaking. Be sure to check them frequently towards the end of the baking time and remove them from the oven when they’re just set and the edges are lightly golden. Over measuring the flour can also cause dryness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, such as a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?
To prevent the sprinkles from sinking, gently press them into the dough after spreading it in the pan. You can also chill the dough for a short period before adding the sprinkles.
Can I add frosting to these bars?
Definitely! A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting would be delicious on these bars. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
Why are my bars too crumbly?
Crumbly bars can be caused by several factors, including overbaking, using too much flour, or not using enough butter. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking.
Share the Sweetness of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a symbol of holiday cheer, shared moments, and delicious memories. With their ease of preparation and irresistible flavor, they’re the perfect treat to bake with loved ones, bring to holiday gatherings, or simply enjoy as a sweet indulgence during the festive season. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these delightful bars. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #ChristmasSugarCookieBars! Happy baking, and happy holidays!
Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Try these recipes:
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Cranberry Cookies
Christmas Cookie Bars
Festive cookie bars recipe Easy Christmas dessert holiday baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Festive sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle generously with festive sprinkles, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deliver all the comforting flavor of classic sugar cookies but in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. A soft, chewy, buttery square of sugar cookie goodness, adorned with festive sprinkles – pure holiday bliss!
