The holidays are the perfect time to bake and share treats, and these Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive favorite. Their soft, chewy texture and vibrant sprinkles make them a visual and flavorful delight that’s sure to brighten up any gathering. Simple to make and perfect for sharing, these cookie bars will be the star of your holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Skip rolling and cutting cookies—just press the dough into the pan and bake!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars are perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Festive and Fun: The colorful sprinkles add holiday cheer, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in festive tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup festive sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire cooling rack
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in 1 cup of festive sprinkles, saving a handful for topping.
Step 6: Spread the Batter
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles on top for extra holiday cheer.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into squares and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a festive platter with hot cocoa or eggnog for a holiday treat.
- Garnish with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for extra sweetness.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Replace sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a minty holiday flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum.
- Citrus Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, zesty twist.
Helpful Notes
- Soft Butter: Let the butter sit at room temperature until softened but not melted for the best creaming consistency.
- Even Sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles gently to keep their colors vibrant.
- Perfect Bars: Use a light hand when spreading the batter to maintain a uniform thickness.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Anna Olson: “Sprinkle the batter with a few extra sprinkles just before baking for a professional touch.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Using high-quality vanilla extract makes all the difference in simple recipes like this.”
- Chef Mary Berry: “For perfect slices, cool the bars completely before cutting.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
2. Can I freeze the bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3. What’s the best way to tell if the bars are done?
The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
5. Can I add frosting?
Of course! A thin layer of cream cheese frosting or royal icing would make these even more festive.
These Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying at home. With their soft texture, festive sprinkles, and ease of preparation, they’re sure to become a holiday baking tradition. Happy baking and happy holidays!