I love the taste of classic Christmas sugar cookies, but between rolling, chilling, cutting, and frosting, the process can feel overwhelming during the busy season. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover this recipe for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. The moment I pressed the soft, vanilla-scented dough into the pan, my kitchen filled with the cozy, sweet smell of childhood holidays. When they came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, and I spread on the creamy frosting, I knew I’d found the perfect shortcut. They deliver all the nostalgic flavor with a fraction of the work, and that’s a holiday miracle in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it captures the iconic flavor of a frosted Christmas sugar cookie in one simple, shareable pan. No rolling pin, no cookie cutters, and no decorating fatigue—just soft, buttery bars topped with a smooth blanket of frosting and festive sprinkles. It’s the ultimate solution for when you need a big batch of holiday cheer without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Holiday sprinkles, for decorating
Let’s talk ingredients, because quality and temperature really matter here. For the bars, using room-temperature butter and eggs is non-negotiable for a smooth, well-creamed dough that bakes up evenly. The pure vanilla extract is your flavor workhorse—don’t use imitation. For the frosting, sifting your powdered sugar is a game-changer I learned the hard way; it prevents any pesky lumps and creates a flawlessly smooth, creamy texture that’s a dream to spread.(See the next page below to continue…)