Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

The smell of butter and sugar baking in the oven just screams Christmas to me! Every year, I make batches of sugar cookies, spending hours decorating them with the kids. This year, though, I decided to simplify things without sacrificing the festive spirit. Enter these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! They’re just as delicious as traditional sugar cookies, but a fraction of the work. I’ve probably made these bars half a dozen times already this holiday season. These bars will deliver all the joy of sugar cookies with a fraction of the effort, perfect for busy families like mine.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and kid-approved. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars check all the boxes! Here’s why they work so well:

• Quick and Easy: Forget rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies. This recipe comes together in one pan!
• Kid-Friendly: My kids absolutely love these bars! They enjoy helping with the sprinkles, and they devour them in minutes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily bake these bars a day or two in advance, making them perfect for holiday parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Here’s a little more detail about what you’ll need and why:

• Butter: I always use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for that classic sugar cookie sweetness and texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract is key for flavor! Don’t skimp on this one.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard for sugar cookies, providing the right structure and tenderness.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Use your favorite mix of Christmas sprinkles to make these bars festive! Jimmies, nonpareils, or even sanding sugar would work great.
• Milk: Any kind of milk works!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake up a batch of delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps the bars release easily after baking.
2. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
6. Step 6: Stir in Sprinkles. Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles. I love how the sprinkles add a pop of color and festive cheer!
7. Step 7: Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
8. Step 8: Cool and Cut. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned from making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs help the batter come together smoothly.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Ovens vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Add a Glaze (Optional): For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help with measuring, mixing, and especially adding the sprinkles!

Storage & Meal Prep

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for making ahead and storing!

• Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• Reheating: No reheating needed! Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature until ready to serve.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to switch things up or need a substitution? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. I haven’t tested this personally, but I’ve had success with King Arthur’s blend in other recipes.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk.
• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Seasonal Sprinkles: Use sprinkles that match the current season or holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Bake them a day or two in advance, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should also be lightly golden brown.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will require a longer baking time, while a larger pan will require a shorter baking time.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Let the bars cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Definitely! My kids love these bars. They’re easy to eat and the sprinkles make them extra fun.

Can I add a glaze to these bars?

Yes, you can! A simple powdered sugar glaze is a great addition. Just whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle over the cooled bars.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Any kind of sprinkles will work! I like to use a mix of Christmas-themed sprinkles, but you can use whatever you have on hand or whatever your kids prefer.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Serve with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Package them up in cute boxes or bags for holiday gifts.

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