“Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the festive treat everyone has been waiting for!”
Each bite of these delicious bars takes me right back to my childhood, surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These bars are thick, soft, and bursting with buttery flavor, making them the perfect whimsical addition to your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy family evening, my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars will make your festive season even more special.
Table of Contents
Why Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Perfect for the Holiday Season?
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are an ideal festive treat to share with friends and family!
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats! Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars offer a joyful baking experience that brings together friends and family in the kitchen. They are easy to prepare, freeze well, and evoke the wonderful warmth of gatherings around the holiday table. These bars make a great centerpiece for holiday potlucks, playdates, or even a cozy movie night at home. Plus, their delicious frosting can be customized to match your holiday décor, adding a festive flair! You can also check out Holiday Cinnamon Rolls for another delicious way to celebrate the season!
What Makes This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe Unique?
This recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stands out due to its rich blend of extracts and festive flavor!
Flavor Combinations
The combination of vanilla and almond extracts provides a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile than traditional sugar cookies.
Texture
These bars maintain a soft, chewy crumb throughout, setting them apart from typical crispy cookies that can be overly dry.
Serving Ease
Baking them as a single slab in a pan makes serving a breeze; no need for rolling or cutting out shapes. For more holiday inspiration, try looking into Holiday-Themed Dessert Truffles, which also capture the joyful spirit of the season!
What Ingredients Do I Need for Sugar Cookie Bars?
Gather perfectly common ingredients for the most delightful Sugar Cookie Bars!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| White sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Frosting (for topping) | As desired |
The ingredients for these delightful bars are all fairly straightforward, making them accessible for any baker. The butter creates a luscious richness, while the combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds complexity to each bite, elevating them from an average cookie to a festive dessert.
How Do I Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Step-by-Step?
Making these delightful bars is simple and perfect for bakers of any skill level!
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2
In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures an even rise and texture.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a light texture.
Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts to create a rich, creamy mixture. Gradually blend the prepared flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
After the dough is well-mixed, spread it evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven, but be sure not to over-bake them; they should remain soft in the center!
Once baked, allow them to cool before frosting. Once cooled, you can top with your favorite frosting and cut into bars for the perfect holiday treat.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15 minutes | Store in an airtight container for up to a week |
What Are Some Fun Variations for Sugar Cookie Bars?
You can easily customize Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with different flavors or decorations!
Diet swap
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This way, everyone can indulge!
Flavor variation
For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder into the batter or mix in some chocolate chips! A sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top can transform ordinary frosting into a festive touch.
If you want to explore more recipes, be sure to check out Festive Christmas Bars for more sweet options!
Serving idea
These bars pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warming cup of hot cocoa for a festive touch.
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Milk |
| Hot cocoa |
| Coffee |
| Tea |
Final Thoughts on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-bake for the holiday season! They capture all the joy and warmth of celebrating together over delicious baked goodies. No matter the occasion, these bars can bring people together to create sweet memories.
Be sure to share your creations on Pinterest and explore other festive recipes! You can follow along with my Pinterest adventures through this link.
FAQ
How can I store the sugar cookie bars?
You can store the sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars and defrosting them when needed. Just make sure to individually wrap them or keep them in an airtight container before freezing.
Can I freeze the Christmas sugar cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the Christmas sugar cookie bars. After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost them at room temperature.
What kind of frosting works best with these bars?
While traditional buttercream frosting is a popular choice, cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sugar cookie bars beautifully. You can also opt for simple royal icing or flavored glazes for a touch of creativity.
Can I use different extracts in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various extracts such as peppermint, coconut, or even citrus. They can all add unique and exciting flavors to the sugar cookie bars, enhancing their festive appeal.
What is the best way to cut the sugar cookie bars?
Once the bars have cooled completely, it’s best to use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to squarely cut them into even bars. If you find it hard to cut through the frosting, lightly warming the knife with hot water can help!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are simply irresistible! With a blend of buttery goodness and festive flavors, they create a perfect dessert for the holiday season that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Frosting (for topping) – as desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend the prepared flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven. Allow to cool before frosting.
- Top with your favorite frosting and cut into bars.
Notes
These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be customized with various frostings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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