Description
Rich, buttery Christmas sugar cookie bars bring festive cheer to holiday gatherings with their delightful blend of sweet frosting and classic sugar cookie flavor. Families and friends will savor each delectable bite of these simple yet irresistible seasonal treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for cookie base)
- 1 large egg
Enhancing Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (red, green, or holiday colors)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
- Cream softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy consistency with a light texture.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a tender crumb structure without overmixing.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using gentle fingertips to spread evenly and create a level surface.
- Position the pan in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the cookie base to cool completely within the pan, preventing potential cracking or structural damage.
- Whip softened butter in a clean mixing bowl until achieving a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Gradually integrate powdered sugar, creating a luscious frosting base, and incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
- Adjust frosting consistency by adding milk incrementally, achieving a spreadable yet stable texture.
- Optional: Introduce festive food coloring to create vibrant holiday-themed hues.
- Once cookie base has cooled, generously spread frosting across the surface using an offset spatula for even distribution.
- Embellish with holiday sprinkles, pressing gently to secure decorative elements.
- Utilize parchment paper overhang to lift entire cookie slab from pan, then slice into symmetrical squares or rectangular portions.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, even mixing that creates a tender cookie bar texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense bars; stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading and maintain clean, crisp edges.
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add an extra egg for binding.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant frosting colors without changing the consistency of the frosting.
- Create festive variations by adding crushed peppermint, colored sugar, or holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the frosting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg