Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Holiday Recipe

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The holiday season calls for treats that bring joy without stress, and these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deliver exactly that. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe offers something special for everyone. Baking during the holidays creates wonderful memories, and these bars make the process effortless and fun.

Quick and Easy Preparation

These easy Christmas sugar cookie bars come together in just 40 minutes total. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require chilling, rolling, and cutting out shapes, this recipe skips all the fussy steps. Simply mix the dough, press it into a pan, and bake. The result is a soft, chewy bar that tastes just like your favorite sugar cookie but with half the effort. Busy parents and working professionals will appreciate how quickly these bars come together, leaving more time for holiday festivities.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

These sugar cookie bars make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert table. The festive sprinkles add a pop of color that screams Christmas, and the creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Cut them into squares for easy serving at parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings. Kids and adults alike will reach for seconds, making this Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Customizable and Versatile

  • Swap sprinkles for different holidays throughout the year
  • Add food coloring to the frosting for themed events
  • Make them gluten-free with a simple flour substitution
  • Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters before baking

Soft Texture with Classic Flavor

The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates that classic sugar cookie taste everyone loves. These bars stay soft and chewy for days when stored properly, unlike rolled sugar cookies that can become crisp. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery cookie base, making this easy holiday sugar cookie recipe stand out from the rest.
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Creating the perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars starts with quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that soft, chewy texture and classic flavor. Here is everything you need to make this recipe a success.
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened – The foundation of flavor and texture; softened butter incorporates air for a tender crumb. Using salted butter enhances the sweetness while adding depth.
  • 1 cup sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create the signature soft texture. Granulated white sugar works best for even distribution throughout the dough.
  • 1 large egg – Acts as a binder and adds richness. Room temperature eggs blend more easily with creamed butter and sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Delivers warm, aromatic flavor that defines a classic sugar cookie. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure and body to the bars. Measure correctly using the spoon and level method to avoid dense cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – Creates lift and helps the bars rise slightly for a tender texture rather than a dense slab.
  • 1/4 cup festive sprinkles – Add holiday cheer and visual appeal. Choose Christmas-themed colors like red, green, and white for the perfect seasonal touch.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet frosting that sets beautifully. Sift before measuring to avoid lumps.
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened – Provides richness and helps the frosting hold its shape. Softened butter whips up creamy and spreadable.
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened – Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness and creates a luxurious texture. Always soften to room temperature.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the frosting flavor and ties it to the cookie base.
  • 2 tablespoons milk – Thins the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency. Add gradually until you reach your desired texture.
  • Additional sprinkles for topping – The finishing touch that makes these bars party-ready and festive.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter sticks and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Note that texture may vary slightly. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture should remain similar, though the bars might be slightly more delicate. Lower-Calorie Option: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and use a sugar substitute blend designed for baking. For the frosting, use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter alternative, though this will affect the rich flavor and texture. Making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward when you follow each step carefully. This detailed guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish, ensuring perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the bars to bake evenly without browning too quickly. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This overhang makes it easy to lift the entire cookie bar out after cooling for clean, neat cutting. The parchment paper also prevents sticking, which is essential since this dough contains butter and can adhere to the pan. If you do not have parchment paper, you can grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, but parchment gives the cleanest release.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates tiny air bubbles into the mixture, which helps create a tender, cake-like texture in the finished bars. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything blends evenly. The butter should be softened to room temperature but not melted. Melted butter will not cream properly and will result in a dense, greasy cookie bar. If you are looking for other quick treats like easy no-bake recipes, check out our collection of simple snacks.
Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, before mixing it really helps the dough come together perfectly without getting too sticky or crumbly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are properly creamed, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. The egg provides structure and richness, while the vanilla adds that classic sugar cookie flavor everyone recognizes and loves. This step should take about 1 minute of mixing. The mixture should look uniform with no visible streaks of egg. If your egg was cold from the refrigerator, the mixture might look slightly curdled. This is not a problem and will resolve once the flour is added.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add these ingredients slowly while the mixer runs on low speed to prevent flour from flying out of the bowl. Continue mixing until a thick dough forms. The dough should come together in a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the cookie bars tough instead of tender. The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky or crumbly.

Step 5: Fold in the Festive Sprinkles

Stir in the sprinkles gently using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Folding rather than mixing helps keep the sprinkles intact and evenly distributed throughout the dough. Some sprinkles may bleed their color slightly, which creates a fun, speckled appearance in the baked bars. Use Christmas-themed sprinkles in red, green, and white for the most festive presentation. The more sprinkles you add, the more colorful and celebratory your bars will look. Just be careful not to add too many, as this can affect the structural integrity of the dough.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Transfer the thick dough to your prepared 9×9 inch baking pan. Spread the batter evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon, pressing it down as it is quite thick. Take your time with this step to ensure an even layer that will bake uniformly. The dough will not spread much during baking, so make sure it reaches all corners of the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should look set and may have slight cracks, which is normal for bar cookies. Every oven is different, so start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is one of the most important steps in the entire recipe. The cookie bar needs to be entirely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide right off. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for cooling. If you are in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator after the first 15 minutes of room temperature cooling. Once completely cooled, lift the cookie bar out by the parchment paper edges carefully and transfer to a cutting board or serving platter.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookie bar cools, make the frosting. Use an electric mixer to blend the powdered sugar, softened butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk. Start on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be spreadable but not runny. If it seems too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time. If it seems too thin, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. The cream cheese should be fully softened to prevent lumps in your frosting. This cream cheese frosting is what sets these bars apart from ordinary sugar cookies, adding richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie bar using an offset spatula or butter knife. Work from the center outward, spreading the frosting to the edges in an even layer. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily. Immediately sprinkle additional festive sprinkles on top while the frosting is still wet so they stick. Be generous with the decorations for a truly festive appearance. For more easy breakfast and treat ideas, try these mini muffin pancake bites that are perfect for busy mornings.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted cookie bar into squares. You can make them as large or small as you prefer. A 9×9 inch pan typically yields about 16 standard-sized bars or 24 smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately for a soft, creamy texture, or let the frosting set for a firmer texture. These bars pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. Sugar cookie bars are versatile enough for any occasion and travel well for potlucks and cookie exchanges.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars this …
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Holiday Recipe 9

Not everyone can enjoy traditional baked goods due to dietary restrictions, but that should not stop anyone from enjoying delicious holiday treats. Here are some practical substitutions to make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars work for various needs.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

The main binding ingredient in this recipe is the egg, which provides structure and moisture. For those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet, several alternatives work well. A flax egg made from 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water can replace one large egg. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the recipe. The flax egg adds a slight nutty flavor and creates a similar binding effect. Another option is unsweetened applesauce, using 1/4 cup to replace one egg. This adds moisture and works particularly well in bar cookies. For a commercial option, egg replacers found in health food stores work according to package directions. Each substitution may slightly alter the final texture, so consider experimenting with a small batch first. Butter substitutes also exist for dairy-free needs. Vegan butter sticks work as a 1:1 replacement and provide similar richness. Coconut oil can work but may add a coconut flavor and creates a slightly denser bar. Margarine designed for baking is another option, though avoid tub margarines as they contain too much water.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

While this recipe does not contain vegetables, the seasoning and sauce components can be modified for different flavor profiles. The vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract for a nutty twist, though use only 1/2 teaspoon as almond extract is stronger. Peppermint extract added to the frosting creates a festive candy cane flavor perfect for Christmas. For the frosting, those avoiding dairy can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives available at most grocery stores. Coconut cream can also replace the cream cheese, though it will alter the flavor profile significantly. A simple buttercream made without cream cheese works too just increase the butter to 1 cup total and skip the cream cheese entirely. Food coloring can be added to both the cookie dough and frosting for customized looks. Gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors without adding excess liquid. Red and green coloring transforms these bars into quintessential Christmas treats, while pastel colors work beautifully for Easter or spring celebrations. Once you have mastered the basic recipe, try these advanced techniques and creative variations to take your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars to the next level. These pro tips come from testing and experience to help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Pro Cooking Techniques

The secret to perfect cookie bars lies in proper ingredient temperature. Butter and cream cheese must be softened to room temperature for proper incorporation. Cold ingredients do not blend smoothly, leading to lumpy frosting or uneven texture. Plan ahead and set ingredients out 1-2 hours before baking. Check the freshness of your baking powder before starting. Expired baking powder loses its effectiveness, resulting in dense, flat bars. To test, add a teaspoon to warm water. If it bubbles actively, it is still good. If not, purchase fresh baking powder for best results. Avoid overmeasuring flour, which is the most common baking mistake. Use the spoon and scoop method: fluff the flour with a spoon, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup without packing it down. Level off with a knife. This prevents adding too much flour, which makes the dough crumbly and the bars dry. If the dough seems too crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved. The dough should hold together when pressed but should not be sticky. Humidity levels affect flour absorption, so adjustments may be needed based on your kitchen environment.

Creative Flavor Variations

Peppermint Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting and crush candy canes on top instead of sprinkles for a refreshing holiday variation. Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the dough along with the sprinkles for a chocolatey surprise in every bite. Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor profile perfect for fall and winter. Citrus Zest: Grate fresh lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the sweetness.

Presentation Tips

Create visually stunning bars by using different sprinkle shapes and colors on top. Large nonpareils, snowflake-shaped sprinkles, or even edible glitter can transform a simple bar into a show-stopping dessert. Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to apply the frosting in swirls rather than spreading it flat for a bakery-style appearance. Cut bars with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for perfectly clean edges. Arrange bars on a holiday platter with fresh greenery or ornaments for a festive serving display.

Make-Ahead Options

These bars freeze beautifully, making them perfect for advance holiday prep. Bake the bars without frosting and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost fresh before serving. The dough can also be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking if you want to break up the work. Proper storage keeps your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for days. These guidelines help you maintain quality whether you are saving them for later or preparing batches ahead for holiday events.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store Christmas sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and moist. They will stay good for up to 5-7 days when properly stored. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration since it contains dairy products that can spoil at room temperature. For best texture, let bars come to room temperature before serving, as the frosting firms up when chilled. About 15-20 minutes on the counter softens the frosting and brings out the best flavor. Avoid leaving bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage, especially during warm weather. If stacking bars in a container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking to the bar underneath. This keeps the presentation clean and makes it easy to grab one bar without disturbing others.

Freezing Instructions

These bars freeze well either frosted or unfrosted, making them convenient for advance preparation. For unfrosted bars, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents. They keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. For frosted bars, flash-freeze on a tray first for 1-2 hours until the frosting is firm. Then wrap individually or in portions with plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. This prevents the frosting from smearing during storage.

Thawing and Reheating

Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Once thawed, bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the frosting and create hot spots in the cookie. Do not refreeze after thawing, as this affects texture and quality. These storage methods allow you to bake ahead for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gift-giving without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Easy Holiday Recipe 10

How do you store Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Store Christmas sugar cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and moist. They will stay good for up to 5-7 days. For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving, as the frosting firms up when chilled. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage, especially since the cream cheese frosting contains dairy. If stacking layers, place parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. This method maintains their soft, chewy center and prevents drying out. For longer storage, freezing is ideal—see the freezing FAQ for details. Proper storage ensures they remain a festive holiday treat without losing flavor or quality. (92 words)

Can you freeze Christmas sugar cookie bars?

Yes, Christmas sugar cookie bars freeze well, either frosted or unfrosted. For unfrosted bars, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 3 months. Frosted bars can also be frozen—flash-freeze on a tray first to prevent sticking, then wrap individually or in portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature for serving. Avoid refreezing after thawing to preserve texture. This makes them perfect for holiday prep, so you can bake now and serve later without quality loss. Label with dates for easy tracking. (98 words)

Can you make Christmas sugar cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely, Christmas sugar cookie bars are great for making ahead. Prepare them 2-3 days in advance, then store in the fridge in an airtight container. They stay soft and flavorful for up to a week when refrigerated properly. For even longer, freeze as noted in the freezing FAQ. The cream cheese frosting holds up well, but cover it to avoid absorbing fridge odors. Bake on day one, frost on day two if needed, and they’ll be ready for your holiday party. This saves time during busy seasons—test a small batch first to confirm your fridge conditions keep them perfectly chewy. (96 words)

Can you substitute butter in Christmas sugar cookie bars for dairy-free?

While the recipe uses real butter for optimal flavor and texture, margarine or dairy-free shortening works as a substitute for those with dairy allergies. Use a 1:1 ratio, ensuring it’s at room temperature. Some bakers report success with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, but results may vary—cookies might be slightly less tender. For best outcome, stick to high-quality options without water content. Always soften ingredients fully before mixing. This tweak keeps the festive Christmas vibe intact without compromising too much on taste. Pair with dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to make the whole recipe allergy-friendly. (102 words)

How do you double Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe?

Yes, double the Christmas sugar cookie bars recipe for larger batches or crowds. Use a 9×13-inch pan for the single batch; for doubled, try two 9×13 pans or one larger 12×18-inch sheet pan (half-sheet). Increase all ingredients proportionally, but mix in a bigger bowl to avoid overflow. Baking time may extend by 5-10 minutes—start checking at the original time (around 25-30 minutes total) with a toothpick for doneness. Cool fully before frosting. This yields about 48 bars instead of 24, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges. Note slight experimentation may be needed for exact pan sizes and oven variations. (104 words)
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

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🎄 Indulge in festive Christmas sugar cookie bars that are easy to bake and share during holiday celebrations!
🍪 Soft, sprinkle-filled base with creamy frosting – a no-fuss treat for joyful gatherings!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

– 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

– 1 cup sugar

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 cup festive sprinkles

– 2 cups powdered sugar

– 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

– 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 tablespoons milk

– Additional sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1-Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the bars to bake evenly without browning too quickly. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This overhang makes it easy to lift the entire cookie bar out after cooling for clean, neat cutting. The parchment paper also prevents sticking, which is essential since this dough contains butter and can adhere to the pan. If you do not have parchment paper, you can grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, but parchment gives the cleanest release.

2-Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates tiny air bubbles into the mixture, which helps create a tender, cake-like texture in the finished bars. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything blends evenly. The butter should be softened to room temperature but not melted. Melted butter will not cream properly and will result in a dense, greasy cookie bar. If you are looking for other quick treats like easy no-bake recipes, check out our collection of simple snacks. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, before mixing it really helps the dough come together perfectly without getting too sticky or crumbly.

3-Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Once the butter and sugar are properly creamed, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. The egg provides structure and richness, while the vanilla adds that classic sugar cookie flavor everyone recognizes and loves. This step should take about 1 minute of mixing. The mixture should look uniform with no visible streaks of egg. If your egg was cold from the refrigerator, the mixture might look slightly curdled. This is not a problem and will resolve once the flour is added.

4-Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add these ingredients slowly while the mixer runs on low speed to prevent flour from flying out of the bowl. Continue mixing until a thick dough forms. The dough should come together in a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Once the flour is incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the cookie bars tough instead of tender. The dough should feel soft and pliable, not sticky or crumbly.

5-Step 5: Fold in the Festive Sprinkles Stir in the sprinkles gently using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Folding rather than mixing helps keep the sprinkles intact and evenly distributed throughout the dough. Some sprinkles may bleed their color slightly, which creates a fun, speckled appearance in the baked bars. Use Christmas-themed sprinkles in red, green, and white for the most festive presentation. The more sprinkles you add, the more colorful and celebratory your bars will look. Just be careful not to add too many, as this can affect the structural integrity of the dough.

6-Step 6: Spread and Bake Transfer the thick dough to your prepared 9×9 inch baking pan. Spread the batter evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon, pressing it down as it is quite thick. Take your time with this step to ensure an even layer that will bake uniformly. The dough will not spread much during baking, so make sure it reaches all corners of the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should look set and may have slight cracks, which is normal for bar cookies. Every oven is different, so start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.

7-Step 7: Cool Completely Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is one of the most important steps in the entire recipe. The cookie bar needs to be entirely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide right off. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for cooling. If you are in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator after the first 15 minutes of room temperature cooling. Once completely cooled, lift the cookie bar out by the parchment paper edges carefully and transfer to a cutting board or serving platter.

8-Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting While the cookie bar cools, make the frosting. Use an electric mixer to blend the powdered sugar, softened butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk. Start on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be spreadable but not runny. If it seems too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time. If it seems too thin, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. The cream cheese should be fully softened to prevent lumps in your frosting. This cream cheese frosting is what sets these bars apart from ordinary sugar cookies, adding richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

9-Step 9: Frost and Decorate Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie bar using an offset spatula or butter knife. Work from the center outward, spreading the frosting to the edges in an even layer. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily. Immediately sprinkle additional festive sprinkles on top while the frosting is still wet so they stick. Be generous with the decorations for a truly festive appearance. For more easy breakfast and treat ideas, try these mini muffin pancake bites that are perfect for busy mornings.

10-Step 10: Cut and Serve Using a sharp knife, cut the frosted cookie bar into squares. You can make them as large or small as you prefer. A 9×9 inch pan typically yields about 16 standard-sized bars or 24 smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately for a soft, creamy texture, or let the frosting set for a firmer texture. These bars pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. Sugar cookie bars are versatile enough for any occasion and travel well for potlucks and cookie exchanges.

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Notes

🧈 Use real salted butter softened to room temperature, not melted, for the best texture.
🧀 Soften cream cheese fully to prevent lumps in the creamy frosting.
📏 Spoon and level flour carefully to avoid a crumbly dough.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 321 kcal
  • Sugar: 52 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 74 g
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: N/A

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