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When you need a cozy and festive vibe on your table, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the way to go. They are easy to make and the perfect way to add Christmas cheer during the holiday season without the stress!
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are everything you love about holiday baking without the extra work. When you don’t have time to roll and cut cookies during the busiest time of the year, these cookie bars are the best solution.
They are the perfect treat for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or a cozy night at home with the family. Trust me, one taste of these, and you’ll have a new yearly holiday tradition!
What I Love About These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Easy Recipe: This is ideal for the busy holiday season.
Texture: These bars have a soft, buttery texture, just like a classic sugar cookie but in bar form.
Customizable: Change out the frosting color and sprinkles for any occasion.
Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy whipping cream or milk
- Clear vanilla extract
- Sprinkles
How To Make Christmas Cookie Bars
***This is just a teaser! To see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Make the Sugar Cookie Bars Base:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9 by 13-inch pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes in a preheated 375°F oven, or until the edges just begin to brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
Make The Frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth. Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional but will make the frosting smoother and easier to mix.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
To Finish:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars. Immediately add sprinkles on top.
- Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Sifter (optional)
- Knife for slicing
Recipe Tip
When making the frosting, you can use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla. However, using clear vanilla keeps the frosting white.
More Serving Ideas
For an extra festive vibe, serve these cookie bars with this Reindeer Cheeseball and Pina Colada Punch.
Storage Tips
STORE: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
FREEZE: You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to three months in an airtight container. Separate the layers with wax paper.
THAW: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
Do I have to use parchment paper?
I recommend using parchment paper for easy removal. You can grease the pan as an alternative.
What’s the best way to make the frosting smooth?
My top tip for getting velvety, smooth frosting is to sift the powdered sugar before mixing it into the other frosting ingredients. This extra step makes all the difference.
What other decorations can I use besides sprinkles?
Some fun options would be crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips.
More Christmas Recipes
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Sifter (optional)
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
COOKIES:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
FROSTING:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract **see notes
- Sprinkles for decoration, if desired
Instructions
MAKE THE COOKIE BARS:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edges to easily lift the cookie bars out later.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 ½ hours.
MAKE THE FROSTING:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl—this step is optional but will make the frosting smoother and easier to mix.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars.
- Immediately add sprinkles on top, if desired.
- Allow the frosting to set, then cut the cookie bars into squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in a single layer.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The sugar cookie bars are almost like a cross between a white wedding cake and a sugar cookie. They were fantastic. Thanks for the recipe worked out great.
Yay Sheila, so glad you loved them!