Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

These festive Christmas sugar cookie bars deliver all the nostalgia of classic cut-out cookies with a soft thick base and a dreamy blanket of almond-scented buttercream. They come together fast with simple tools and make even a plain weeknight feel special when December rolls around. Topped with vibrant holiday sprinkles these bars are practically made for gifting or sharing at cookie swaps and potlucks.

I have so many memories of little hands crowding around the kitchen island to press on sprinkles and swipe extra frosting from the bowl. This recipe is always a December must in our house and it disappears before you know it.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives the bars their base texture so choose unbleached flour for a tender crumb
• Cornstarch: makes the bars soft and prevents toughness so opt for a fresh container for best results
• Baking powder: ensures a gentle rise so double check that yours is active for fluffy results
• Salted sweet cream butter: brings richness and subtle salty flavor get a quality brand for best taste
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps create a golden color fine grain sugar dissolves best
• Pure vanilla extract: gives depth and classic cookie flavor look for one with a strong warm aroma
• Almond extract: adds that signature holiday bakery flavor use a little as it is potent
• Large eggs: help bind the dough and give structure room temperature eggs mix more evenly
• Christmas nonpareil sprinkles: bring color and crunch make sure they do not bleed when mixed
• For the Buttercream
• Salted sweet cream butter: delivers a creamy base for frosting use room temperature for smooth blending
• Clear vanilla flavoring: keeps the frosting bright white and vanilla forward in taste
• Almond extract: gives a distinct holiday note check if clear for pure white frosting
• Powdered sugar: whips up into a light and fluffy icing sift first for the smoothest texture
• Heavy cream: loosens the frosting and adds silkiness fresh cream gives the best consistency
• Christmas nonpareil sprinkles: tie everything together with a festive look pick your brightest reds and greens

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Pan:

Line a nine by nine inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly so bars release easily

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a small mixing bowl whisk together flour cornstarch and baking powder until well combined

Cream the Butter:

Beat softened salted butter in a medium bowl on high for about one minute to get it really creamy

Sweeten and Flavor:

Add granulated sugar vanilla extract and almond extract to the butter mixture then beat for another minute and a half until it is pale and fluffy

Incorporate Eggs:

Reduce the mixer to low then add eggs one by one mixing each until fully combined so the dough binds smoothly

Add Dry Ingredients Gradually:

With the mixer at medium low add the flour mixture in small portions mixing gently between additions to avoid overworking the dough

Fold in Sprinkles:

Using a spatula gently fold the Christmas sprinkles into the dough so they spread evenly without breaking

Bake the Bars:

Spread the dough evenly in the lined baking dish smoothing the top Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty to twenty two minutes until edges look golden and a toothpick comes out clean Let cool in the pan

Whip Buttercream:

In a large bowl beat softened butter clear vanilla and almond extract on medium high for one minute until creamy

Mix the Frosting:

Switch mixer to low and alternately add powdered sugar and heavy cream in small amounts beating each until smooth Increase to medium high for another minute to get the frosting fluffy

Assemble and Decorate:

Using the parchment sling lift cooled bars from the pan Spread the buttercream evenly to the edges Add plenty of sprinkles on top Slice into bars about one and a half by three inches each

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My favorite part is the almond extract in both the cookie and the frosting It is what makes these bars taste like Christmas You can skip it in a pinch but trust me the aroma when you unwrap a whole stack is worth seeking out the real deal My kids love carefully pressing on the sprinkles and sneaking tastes of the extra icing

Storage Tips

Store bars in a well sealed container at room temperature for up to four days If you make them ahead for a party freeze them layered with parchment paper and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving The frosting stays creamy and the bars stay soft

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a nut free version leave out the almond extract and double the vanilla extract Unsalted butter can work in both bar and frosting but add a pinch of salt for balance You can swap in colored jimmies or sanding sugar if nonpareil sprinkles are unavailable

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as a sparkling sweet finish to any holiday meal Add them to cookie platters or gift tins Cut smaller pieces for bite sized party treats or pair with hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon snack

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Cultural Context

Sugar cookies have been a December staple for generations in many American homes but these bars take away the fuss of rolling and cutting They are inspired by the classic frosted cut out cookies but with modern convenience and a much softer bite They bring back memories of school parties and family baking sprees where everyone could participate

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, usually after 20-22 minutes.

→ Can I substitute unsalted butter for salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the dough and frosting for balanced flavor.

→ What size should I cut the bars?

For even portions, slice the bars into pieces about 1½ by 3 inches after frosting and decorating.

→ How should I store the finished bars?

Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and softness.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Bring it to room temperature before baking.