Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup (55 g) sour cream; 2 1/4 cups (290 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese; 6 Tablespoons salted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Milk, as needed (optional for thinning)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking to add some dazzling sweetness to your holiday spread, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine the soft, buttery richness of classic sugar cookies transformed into easy-to-cut bars, topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting that’s just bursting with vanilla and almond notes. These bars are delightfully tender, lightly golden, and crowned with sprinkles that bring festive fun. Whether it’s for a lively family gathering or a cozy night in by the fire, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite seasonal treat that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay image showing 12 cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top row from left to right, there is a metal 1/2 cup measuring spoon with a white creamy ingredient, a block of cream cheese on silver foil, and a stick of salted butter with a blue label. In the second row, from left to right, there is a clear white bowl filled with powdered sugar, a brown egg placed beside it, a clear white bowl filled with flour, and another clear white bowl full of white granulated sugar. In the third row, from left to right, there is a small glass bowl of white cream, a clear white bowl of colorful Christmas sprinkles mostly red, green, and white, a small dark bottle of vanilla extract, a square glass jar with a rose gold lid labeled salt, and a small glass bowl containing baking powder or baking soda. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together in the simplest way, each playing an essential role. From the creamy richness of butter to the fluffy softness from sour cream and cream cheese, every component builds layers of flavor and texture that make these bars irresistible.

1/2 cup salted butter (softened): Adds a rich, creamy base and moisture to the cookie bars.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that perfect tender crumb.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings cozy, warm flavors characteristic of holiday treats.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that’s festive and unique.
1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the bars moist and tender with a slight tang.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The building block for the cookie’s structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle rise and lightness.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
8 ounces cream cheese: Creates the luscious frosting with creamy tang.
6 tablespoons salted butter (softened): Ensures a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses frosting with a classic mellow warmth.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances frosting with a festive hint of almond.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Choose a 9×13-inch pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple prep ensures your bars slide out cleanly and keeps cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend provides the essential leavening and seasoning that will give your cookie bars their perfect texture and balanced flavor. Set this mixture aside for the next step.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two minutes. This process traps air that contributes to the bars’ soft crumb. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts, the egg, and the sour cream, mixing everything until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet bowl. Stir just until combined—over-mixing can make the bars tough, so it’s best to keep the batter a little rustic but fully blended. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfect for the fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Because it’s sticky, press it down gently and smooth the surface with a spatula or a piece of parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, as you want these bars tender, not dry.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars bake and cool, whip up the frosting. Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add powdered sugar along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat everything on high speed for about two minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Allow your cookie bars to cool completely before frosting—it’s important the bars are cool to keep the frosting from melting. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the surface and add festive sprinkles on top for a colorful, holiday finishing touch that’s as fun as it is delicious.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

A rectangular silver metal pan filled with one thick layer of light beige batter, spread evenly with visible swirling patterns and a creamy, smooth texture, sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic finish to these bars is a generous scatter of brightly colored sprinkles that echo the joyful spirit of the season. For an extra special touch, try crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter. These simple garnishes elevate the cookie bars from delicious to dazzling and are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and rich, so pairing them with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk is ideal. For a festive party, consider serving alongside savory finger foods or fresh fruit platters to balance out the sweetness and keep your holiday table vibrant and varied.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bars into neat squares and arrange them on a holiday-themed serving tray lined with decorative parchment. You can also stack the bars as mini cookie sandwiches with an extra dollop of frosting between layers for a playful twist that’s perfect for gift-giving or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stay delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cream cheese frosting helps to keep them moist and flavorful, making them a great make-ahead treat that tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them unfrosted in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw completely, then frost just before serving to preserve that fresh, creamy topping. This way, you have a festive dessert ready whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

While Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, briefly microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating too long, especially after frosting, as it may melt or become overly soft.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese frosting without almond extract?

Absolutely! The almond extract adds a lovely holiday twist, but the frosting will still be delicious with just vanilla extract. Feel free to skip the almond if someone has allergies or simply prefers classic flavors.

Are Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you could substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture, so be sure to use one that is designed for baking.

Can I make the bars thinner or thicker?

Yes! For thinner bars, use a larger baking pan, such as 9×12, and keep the same baking time or slightly reduce it. For thicker bars, use a smaller pan, but increase the bake time accordingly to ensure the dough cooks through.

What’s the best way to get smooth frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. Beat them together until very smooth before adding powdered sugar and extracts. This prevents lumps and results in perfectly creamy frosting.

Can I add festive mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or colorful holiday sprinkles mixed into the dough before baking can add delightful surprises to each bite, giving your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe an extra festive flair.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a holiday gem that combines the best of soft sugar cookie texture with creamy, dreamy frosting in a convenient bar form. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just indulging yourself with something festive and delicious. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to create a beautiful, flavorful dessert that brings so much joy to the season.