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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 573 reviews

Delight in these festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars that bring all the flavors of a classic sugar cookie into an easy-to-make bar form. Soft, buttery, and topped with creamy frosting and holiday sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet seasonal treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Cookie Bars

  • 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

Frosting

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars.
  2. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and white sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
  4. Add Flavors and Eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and the eggs until fully combined.
  5. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even texture.
  6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually beat the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture about half at a time, mixing carefully to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Form Bars: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and use lightly greased hands to press it evenly into the pan, creating a smooth layer.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Bars: Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting: Beat the butter until soft, then mix in the cream cheese until creamy.
  11. Add Flavor to Frosting: Stir in salt and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar: With your mixer on low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar about half a cup at a time until you achieve the desired thickness and sweetness.
  13. Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and top with festive holiday sprinkles for a cheerful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Be sure to fully cool the cookie bars before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • The almond extract is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the cookies.
  • You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
  • Use parchment paper for easier removal of the bars from the pan.
  • Store the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Christmas sugar cookie bars, holiday desserts, sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, festive treats

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/