Description
These festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with a creamy vanilla frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles for a cheerful and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Christmas jimmies
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3-5 drops food coloring (optional)
- 2 tbsp assorted Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring until a soft dough forms, making sure not to overmix.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the Christmas jimmies into the batter to evenly distribute the festive sprinkles throughout the dough.
- Press Batter into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13 pan using your hands or a rubber spatula to form an even layer.
- Bake Cookie Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 17 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired and mix until color is evenly distributed.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars using a spatula or knife for a smooth layer.
- Add Decorations: Sprinkle assorted Christmas sprinkles or holiday-themed candies over the frosting for a festive look.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted bars into squares and serve to enjoy a sweet holiday treat.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- For a whiter frosting, use imitation vanilla extract instead of pure vanilla extract.
- If you prefer a thinner frosting, add more heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking and bar thickness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize sprinkles and candies based on your holiday theme or preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
