Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are my secret weapon for holiday baking! They have all the soft, chewy, buttery goodness of a classic sugar cookie but are so much quicker to make. There’s no chilling dough, no rolling, and no cutting out individual shapes—just pure, simple joy baked into a single pan.

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I still remember the scent of my mom’s kitchen during the holidays—a mix of vanilla, butter, and a little bit of happy chaos. We’d spend hours making intricate cookies, and while I cherish those memories, life with a busy family calls for simpler traditions. These bars were born from that need for a festive treat that leaves more time for making memories.

This recipe is wonderfully low-stress and perfect for getting the kids involved. The dough comes together in minutes, and decorating is as easy as spreading frosting and adding sprinkles. It’s all the fun of holiday baking without the fuss!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The magic of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars comes from simple, high-quality ingredients like real butter for richness and a touch of almond extract to create that classic bakery flavor. The full list of ingredients and their measurements is waiting for you in the recipe card below.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is a breeze! First, you’ll mix together the soft, buttery dough and press it evenly into a baking pan. After baking to golden perfection and letting it cool completely, you’ll whip up a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. The final step is the most fun: spreading the frosting over the bars and showering them with festive Christmas sprinkles!

Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Soft, chewy, and buttery sugar cookie bars topped with a festive vanilla buttercream frosting. The easiest way to enjoy classic Christmas sugar cookies without the rolling and cutting!

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 47 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 235

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract gives a classic sugar cookie flavor
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (1 stick)
• 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt to cut the sweetness
• 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles for decorating

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Mixing Bowls
• Parchment Paper

Method

 

Prepare the Sugar Cookie Bars

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 inch pan. You can use your hands or a spatula (lightly floured if the dough is sticky).
• Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should look slightly underdone for the softest bars.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is important, or the frosting will melt.

Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
• Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Add the heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreading consistency.

Assemble and Decorate

• Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
• Immediately sprinkle with your favorite Christmas sprinkles. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before cutting.
• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 24 bars and serve.

Notes

For the softest, chewiest bars, be careful not to overbake. The center should look soft when you remove it from the oven. Using room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs) is key to a smooth, well-combined dough and frosting. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can add a few drops of green or red food coloring to the frosting for extra festive flair!

Pro Tips for Making This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take these bars from good to absolutely unforgettable. Here are some of my best tips for making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the smoothest dough and creamiest frosting, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream are all at room temperature. It helps everything mix together beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until it’s just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Let Them Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to frost them while they’re warm, but please wait! Frosting warm bars will result in a soupy mess. Patience is your best friend here.
• My Secret Trick: A tiny pinch of almond extract in both the cookie dough and the frosting is what gives these bars their signature flavor. It’s that little something extra that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Fun Variations for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

While this recipe is a classic, it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are a few fun ways my family and I like to switch up our Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

• Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting and top with crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles for a minty, festive flavor.
• Add Some Chocolate: Gently fold in a cup of white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before baking for an extra decadent treat.
• A Zesty Touch: Add the zest of one orange to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and almond.
• Festive Baking Day: Make it a full-on holiday baking event! These bars are wonderful alongside other festive treats, like this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.

What to Serve With Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These sweet and festive bars are perfect all on their own, but they also shine as part of a larger holiday spread. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

• A warm mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a spiced tea is the perfect companion for these sweet bars.
• A scoop of simple vanilla bean ice cream turns a single bar into a truly decadent dessert.
• For a holiday party, I love creating a dessert board. Include these bars alongside other cookies, candies, and fresh fruit.
• To balance the sweetness on a party table, I always include a savory option. Something like this Antipasto Cream Cheese Log provides a perfect contrast.

How to Store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Properly storing your treats ensures they stay fresh and delicious! Here’s how I recommend storing your leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

• At Room Temperature: You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• In the Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! You can freeze the entire uncut slab (unfrosted is best) or individual bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Nutritional Benefits

While these are certainly a festive indulgence, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They are perfect for bringing joy and comfort to your family’s holiday table, which is a wonderful benefit in itself during the busy season.

FAQs

Can I make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them, unfrosted, in an airtight container. Just frost them right before you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

Can I use a different kind of frosting?

Of course! A cream cheese frosting would be delicious, or you could even use a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer something a little lighter than buttercream.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, you can leave it out and use only vanilla extract if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t care for the flavor. The bars will still be incredibly delicious!

Why did my bars come out dry?

The most common cause of dry sugar cookie bars is overbaking. Keep a close eye on them and pull them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to set as they cool.

Conclusion

I truly hope you and your family love making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They are proof that creating heartwarming holiday traditions doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe is all about simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and the joy of sharing something delicious with the people you love. Happy baking!

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