Description
These festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are buttery, soft, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
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: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9x13 inch 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: Mix in the eggs, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the Christmas jimmies into the batter evenly.
- Press Batter into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared 9x13 baking dish and press it evenly using your hands or a rubber spatula.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 17 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired and mix well.
- Frost Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle with assorted Christmas sprinkles or M&Ms, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Do not overbake the bars to keep them soft; edges should just turn golden.
- Use parchment paper to make removal and cleanup easier.
- For a whiter frosting, imitation vanilla extract can be used instead of pure vanilla extract.
- Add food coloring to the frosting for festive color variations.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
