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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Description

Delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with a soft, buttery base and a creamy cream cheese frosting, flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. Perfectly baked to a light golden finish, these bars offer a festive and delicious treat ideal for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Cookie Bars

  • 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

Frosting

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. This helps incorporate air for a light texture.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough may be slightly sticky.
  6. Prepare Dough in Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan. Press down gently with a spatula or a piece of parchment paper to smooth the surface and avoid lumps.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
  8. Make Frosting: While the bars bake, beat 8 ounces cream cheese and 6 tablespoons softened butter in a large bowl with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add Sugar and Flavors: Add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Frost Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  11. Optional Garnish and Serve: Decorate with festive sprinkles if desired. Cut into 24 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the bars have cooled completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of frosting.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results and fluffy texture.
  • Press dough evenly in pan to ensure uniform baking.
  • You can substitute almond extract with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract if desired.
  • Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container; they keep well up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/christmas-sugar-cookie-bars-recipe/