Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for Easy Holiday Baking

Name: Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting); Holiday sprinkles

Posted on November 14, 2025

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Introduction

Picture this: the aroma of buttery sugar cookies wafting through your kitchen, festive sprinkles scattered across a creamy frosting, and the warmth of holiday cheer in every bite. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Honestly, they’re like the holiday spirit in dessert form!

I discovered this recipe during a frantic holiday season when I needed something quick yet impressive for a Christmas party. Sugar cookies are always a hit, but rolling and cutting dough just felt like too much. Enter sugar cookie bars—a genius twist that saves time without sacrificing flavor. These bars are soft and buttery, topped with a creamy frosting and a sprinkling of holiday magic. They’ve become a family tradition because they’re so easy and fun to make.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in with a mug of hot cocoa, these festive bars are as versatile as they are irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday newbie, this recipe is a surefire way to spread Christmas joy. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: No rolling or cutting required—just mix, bake, and frost. Perfect for last-minute holiday prep!
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
Festive Appeal: The colorful sprinkles and creamy frosting make these bars the star of any dessert table.
Kid-Friendly: Little ones love helping with the sprinkles, and they’re perfect for class parties or playdates.
Unbelievably Delicious: Soft, buttery, and sweet with a hint of vanilla—they’re everything you love about sugar cookies in bar form.

What sets these apart from other sugar cookie bars is the melt-in-your-mouth texture and the balance of sweetness. Plus, you can customize the frosting and decorations to match your holiday theme. They’re a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to make your holiday baking stress-free and joyful!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create magical holiday cookie bars. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for a perfectly creamy base.
Granulated sugar: For that classic sweet sugar cookie flavor.
Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
Vanilla extract: The secret to that nostalgic sugar cookie taste.
All-purpose flour: Gives the bars structure and that classic cookie texture.
Baking powder: Ensures the bars are soft and slightly fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting—it’s the best for a smooth texture.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the frosting; you can substitute milk if needed.
Holiday sprinkles: Choose festive colors to bring the Christmas spirit to life!

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and gluten-free flour works well in place of all-purpose flour if needed. These bars are flexible and forgiving.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the cookie dough and another for the frosting.
Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze (a whisk works too, but it takes longer).
9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect for baking these bars evenly.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Rubber spatula: Great for spreading the frosting smoothly.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use a square baking dish for thicker bars. Just increase the baking time slightly.

Detailed Preparation Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (230g) of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
Bake: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan.
Prepare frosting: Beat 1/2 cup (115g) softened butter with 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars. Sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles.
Slice and serve: Cut into squares or rectangles, and serve your festive creations!

If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before spreading in the pan. For the frosting, add a tiny splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the edges—once they’re golden, it’s time to take the bars out. Overbaking can make them dry.
Chill Before Frosting: Let the bars cool completely to avoid frosting melting into the cookie.
Customize Your Sprinkles: Use red and green for Christmas, or try silver and gold for a more elegant holiday vibe.
Make Ahead: These bars keep beautifully, so you can bake them a day or two in advance.

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be soft and delicious!
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter and almond milk in the frosting for a vegan-friendly version.
Flavor Twist: Add a hint of almond extract to the dough for a nutty holiday flavor.
Seasonal Sprinkles: Switch up the sprinkles for other holidays—pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween!
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra treat.

My personal favorite? Adding crushed candy canes on top of the frosting for a peppermint twist. It’s like Christmas in every bite!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these sugar cookie bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Pair them with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic holiday treat.

To store, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars (without frosting) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw fully and frost before serving.

If you’re reheating, let them come to room temperature naturally—microwaving can make the frosting melt.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While sugar cookie bars are definitely a treat, they’re perfect for sharing without overindulging.

Calories: Approximately 250 per bar (depending on size).
Carbs: Around 35g per serving.
Fats: 10g per serving, mostly from butter.

The butter and eggs provide some protein and fat for satiety, while the sprinkles add a dose of holiday cheer (because happiness counts as a benefit, right?).

For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, these bars can fit into special dietary needs without losing their festive charm.

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert. They’re easy to whip up, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every face around your table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is a keeper.

Give them a try and let your creativity shine—add your favorite sprinkles, flavors, or toppings. I’d love to hear how you make them your own! Drop a comment below or share your photos on social media.

Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these sugar cookie bars!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake and frost them a day or two in advance, then store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, you can save time by using your favorite store-bought frosting. However, homemade frosting adds a special touch.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes before spreading it in the pan. You can also use a rubber spatula coated with a bit of butter or oil.

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes! Freeze the unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate before serving.

What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?

Use a ruler to mark even sections before cutting. A sharp knife or pizza cutter makes clean cuts easier.