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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like baking a batch of festive cookies. But if you’re short on time and patience, these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! They combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the effortless convenience of bars, making them an essential addition to your holiday baking repertoire. What’s more, they are incredibly customizable and utterly delicious – your loved ones will certainly be asking for seconds!

Why Make This Recipe

These bars are not only simple to prepare but also ideal for sharing at festive gatherings.
The combination of almond and vanilla extracts adds a unique and irresistible flavor that sets them apart from typical sugar cookies.

Baking these sugar cookie bars brings a sense of nostalgia to your kitchen, reminding you of cozy holiday moments while creating new joyful memories.

Simple Way to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Cooking should be fun, and these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are designed to bring joy to the experience! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a delicious pan of bars to share with friends and family or to enjoy all by yourself.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand. They are key to creating the soft, delicious sugar cookie bars we all love:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup frosting (buttercream or cream cheese, your choice)
Festive sprinkles for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal.
In a separate bowl, take the time to whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent throughout the dough. Set aside afterward.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This process may take a few minutes, but it helps create a lovely texture.
Once creamy, beat in the eggs one at a time, along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly will infuse flavor into every bite.
Gradually blend the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this step slowly, combining until just mixed to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to denser bars.
Next, spread the cookie dough evenly into the greased baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure the surface is smooth and even.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This might take a little patience but is worth it for the perfect texture.
After they have cooled, spread your choice of frosting on top and decorate with festive sprinkles. Make it as simple or as elaborate as you wish — it’s your creation!
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars!

Storage Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious long after baking, it’s essential to store them properly. Here are some helpful tips:

Room Temperature: These sugar cookie bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. This method keeps them soft and ready to enjoy.
Refrigeration: If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to a week at around 40°F (4°C), ensuring they remain in an airtight container.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and they will be good for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost them!

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

When it comes to serving details, there are countless delightful ways to present your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Here are a few ideas to make your offering even more festive:

Gifting: Wrap a few bars in festive cellophane bags tied with beautiful ribbons for a charming holiday gift. Your friends and family will appreciate such a sweet surprise.
Party Platter: Place the bars on a decorative platter at your holiday gatherings. Add some surrounding treats like mixed nuts, chocolate truffles, or seasonal fruits for a delightful dessert table.
With Coffee or Tea: Serve these bars with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon treat. The flavors pair beautifully together!
Ice Cream Sandwich: Get creative and turn them into ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two bars. The warmth of the cookie with cold ice cream creates a sensational experience.
Add Toppings: Enhance the joy by adding a drizzle of chocolate on top or a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty balance that everyone will love.

Tips to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Here are a few additional tips that will help you nail this recipe and produce consistently delicious results:

Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve that perfect creaminess when mixing.
Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the dough can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Frost While Slightly Warm: Frosting the bars while they are slightly warm creates a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the almond extract with lemon or peppermint for a different flavor profile!
Chill the Dough: If you want to make the bar dough even easier to work with, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan.

Variations or Substitutions

Looking to mix things up a bit? Here are a couple of tasty variations to consider:

Chocolate Chip Version: If you’re a chocolate lover, add 1-2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough before baking. They will melt slightly and create pockets of chocolatey goodness inside the bars.
Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of regular all-purpose flour. The texture and flavor remain delightful!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These sugar cookie bars can be made up to two days in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll remain fresh.

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract?
The almond extract can easily be replaced by additional vanilla extract or any other flavor you enjoy, like lemon or peppermint.

How can I make my bars festive without frosting?
You can dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over them, then sprinkle colorful holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.

Tackling the holiday baking together as a family can be one of the most cherished traditions. With these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to bring delightful treats to your holiday festivities, ensuring smiles all around with every bite. Feel free to share, store, and savor, making memories as sweet as these bars themselves!