Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
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.
Servings: 16 people
Equipment
- 9x13-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 9x13-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
Clear Vanilla Extract - you can use regular vanilla however by using clear vanilla, the frosting stays white.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 674IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg