Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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Bring the festive spirit to your holiday gatherings with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars. Combining the rich flavors of a classic sugar cookie with festive sprinkles, a buttery base, and sweet icing, these bars are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers. They’re easy to make, highly shareable, and perfect for cookie swaps or holiday parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive and Fun: Loaded with red and green sprinkles, these bars scream Christmas cheer.
2. Time-Saving: No rolling or cutting out dough—just press it into the pan and bake.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite holiday flavors or toppings for a unique twist.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: A perfect addition to dessert trays or holiday gift boxes.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Bars

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Press the Dough: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into the pan.
3. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Cream Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat the frosting until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cream.
4. Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into two portions. Tint one portion red and the other green using food coloring, if desired.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

1. Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread an even layer of frosting over the top. You can use one color or alternate stripes of red and green for a festive look.
2. Add Sprinkles: Scatter extra Christmas sprinkles over the frosting while it’s still soft to ensure they stick.
3. Cut into Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough and even mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookie bars.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting and serving.
4. Cool Completely: Frosting warm bars can cause the icing to melt and slide off.

Variations

1. Add White Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
2. Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
3. Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Dessert Tray: Pair with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and fudge for a festive platter.
• Gift Boxes: Wrap individual bars in festive cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• With a Hot Drink: Serve alongside a warm mug of cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.

Why These Bars are Perfect for Christmas

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a stress-free way to bring the holiday spirit to your dessert table. They combine the nostalgia of sugar cookies with the convenience of a bar format. Plus, their colorful appearance and delightful flavor will make them the star of any holiday gathering.

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Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting or a drizzle of white chocolate for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

4. Fold in Mix-Ins:

• Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.

5. Spread and Bake:

1. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles and chocolate chips on top for a festive touch.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
• Slice into squares or rectangles and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for extra flair.

Notes

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars; they should be slightly underbaked in the center for a soft and chewy texture.

Add a Festive Touch: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or swap in mini M&Ms for a pop of color.

Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time by 5-7 minutes.

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