Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491239H1M1S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup white sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 large eggs; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 oz cream cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 – 3 cups powdered sugar; Holiday sprinkles

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Introduction

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring the classic flavors of sugar cookies into an easy-to-make, festive treat. Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

A single square piece of light beige cake with a smooth white frosting layer on top is placed on a white decorative plate with small cut-out heart shapes, which sits on a larger plain white plate. The frosting is topped with small red, green, and white sprinkles scattered unevenly. A silver fork rests to the left side of the plate. In the background, on a white plate, there is more of the same cake with frosting and sprinkles, placed on a red and green plaid fabric. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 oz cream cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
Holiday sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it, or use parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
Step 3: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and eggs to the butter mixture; beat until fully combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, about half a cup at a time, until just combined.
Step 6: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. With lightly greased hands, press the batter evenly into the pan to create a uniform layer.
Step 7: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the butter until soft, then mix in the cream cheese until smooth.
Step 10: Add the salt and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture.
Step 11: With the mixer on low, gradually beat in powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness and thickness.
Step 12: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and top with holiday sprinkles.

Tips & Variations

For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter.
Use almond extract sparingly for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the bars well.
Press the batter firmly into the pan to ensure even baking and a sturdy bar texture.
Swap holiday sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a peppermint kick.

Storage

Store the frosted cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

A rectangular cake with three layers is shown in a black baking pan lined with aluminum foil. The bottom layer is rich chocolate in dark brown, covered fully by a thick middle layer of creamy white frosting with a smooth but lightly swirled texture. The top layer is decorated with red, green, and white long and small round sprinkles scattered evenly all over the white frosting. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with some loose sprinkles around it. In the blurred background, there are white plates stacked and a white cup with red decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds moisture and a slight tang to the bars and frosting. You can substitute with an equal amount of softened butter in the dough, but the texture may be less tender. For the frosting, using only butter will give a richer, sweeter spread without the tang.

How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

Gradually add powdered sugar while beating the frosting to control thickness. If frosting gets too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes, then re-whip before spreading. Softened butter and cream cheese should not be warm to avoid runniness.