Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect way to celebrate the joyous holiday season! These delightful treats combine the classic flavors of traditional sugar cookies in a convenient bar format that is both easy and fun to make. Imagine a soft, buttery base topped with vibrant frosting and colorful sprinkles, creating an inviting dessert that will charm your family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time. Ideal for holiday gatherings or simply as a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy baking with loved ones or want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie bars; use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the light texture of the bars.
• Baking Powder: Ensures your cookie bars rise properly to achieve that soft yet firm texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it adds richness to the dough.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Imparts a warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (9×13 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined; set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 6: Bake

Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before frosting.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing or top with sprinkles for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Sifting Flour: Sift flour before measuring it to avoid dense cookie bars.
• Chill Dough Optional: For thicker bars, chill dough in refrigerator for about an hour before baking.
• Add Toppings: Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking!

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Enjoy making your scrumptious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Hot Cocoa: The warm, rich flavors of hot cocoa complement the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Festive Fruit Salad: A light, fruity option balances the richness of the sugar cookie bars, making for a well-rounded treat.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars up to two days in advance. Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Storing: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or place them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.

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Suggestions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Use the Right Ingredients

Choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial when making Christmas sugar cookie bars. Opt for unsalted butter for a rich flavor and granulated sugar to achieve that classic sweetness. Always use fresh eggs, as they contribute to the texture and moisture of your bars. Make sure to measure your flour correctly, as too much can lead to dry cookies. Avoid using old baking powder or baking soda; these leavening agents lose potency over time, which can affect the rise of your bars. Lastly, don’t skimp on vanilla extract; it enhances the overall flavor profile and makes your treats taste homemade.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

One common mistake when making Christmas sugar cookie bars is overmixing the dough. When you mix the dough too much, it can develop gluten, leading to tough and chewy bars instead of soft and tender ones. Mix your ingredients until just combined; it’s okay if some flour pockets remain. Once you add in the dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as everything comes together. This technique ensures that your sugar cookie bars remain soft and flavorful while maintaining their lovely texture.

Chill Your Dough

Chilling the dough before baking is essential for achieving the perfect consistency in Christmas sugar cookie bars. If you skip this step, your bars may spread too much during baking and lose their shape. Chilling allows the butter to firm up again after being mixed with other ingredients, resulting in a more structured bar. Aim to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before spreading it into the baking pan. This simple step will yield thicker and more visually appealing cookie bars.

Don’t Forget to Line Your Pan

When making Christmas sugar cookie bars, always remember to line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil. This small action prevents sticking and ensures easier removal once baked. Without proper lining, you risk damaging your beautifully baked treats when trying to lift them out of the pan. Additionally, lining helps create cleaner edges and minimizes cleanup afterward. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy lifting once cooled.

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FAQs

What are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Christmas sugar cookie bars are a delicious twist on traditional sugar cookies, combining all the flavors you love into a thick, chewy bar form. These treats typically include basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. They are often decorated with festive toppings such as colorful sprinkles or icing to enhance their holiday appeal. The convenience of cutting them into squares makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting during the festive season.

How do I store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

To keep your Christmas sugar cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Can I customize my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! One of the best features of Christmas sugar cookie bars is their versatility. You can easily customize flavors by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the dough before baking. For an extra festive touch, consider incorporating seasonal spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Additionally, you can top your finished bars with different types of frosting or sprinkle colorful holiday-themed decorations on top.

Why are my Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars too crumbly?

If your Christmas sugar cookie bars turn out crumbly, it could be due to insufficient moisture or overbaking. Make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately; too much flour can result in dry dough. Additionally, check that you have used enough butter and eggs in your recipe since these ingredients provide moisture and binding properties that help hold everything together. Lastly, if you’ve baked them longer than necessary, they may become dry; always keep an eye on them during baking.

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Conclusion for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Making delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars is simple when you follow some key guidelines. Start by selecting high-quality ingredients that enhance flavor and texture while avoiding common mistakes like overmixing or skipping chill time for better structure. Remembering to line your pan will save time during cleanup and ensure easy removal after baking. By considering these tips along with customization options like various toppings and flavors, you’ll create delightful treats that are perfect for sharing this holiday season! Enjoy making these festive delights with family and friends!

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