These homemade Sugar Cookie Bars are not only festive but also so delicious! They have a classic sugar cookie base, with Christmas sprinkles throughout. The vanilla buttercream frosting is so creamy and smooth, it melts in every bite.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love baking Christmas treats for friends and family and these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are just perfect.
They're also much easier than sugar cookies because there's no chilling or rolling. They taste like classic sugar cookies minus all the work!
These sugar cookie bars are soft and chewy with hints of sweet sugar and vanilla. They are perfect for any Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and simple family gatherings this season.
You can also make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until you need it! I'm making a double batch of them for Christmas and I can't wait.
Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 3 mixing bowls, a whisk, an electric hand-held mixer, and a spatula.
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Cream for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Add in eggs and vanilla. Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until well combined, about another minute or so.
Step 4: Mix together. Combine the dry and wet ingredients together until a soft cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Add sprinkles. Mix the sprinkles in a few times just until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake. Transfer into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are a golden brown.
Step 7: Make buttercream. Cream the butter and cream cheese together until well combined. Then add in sugar, salt, and vanilla. Continue beating until smooth. Lastly, add the cream. Frost and enjoy!
Expert Baking Tips
Here are a few expert baking tips from my kitchen to yours
- Use a gram scale. It is the most accurate way of measuring your ingredients in the kitchen. This is one of my favourites. You can toggle between cups and grams in the recipe card.
- Make homemade frosting. I know store-bought is easier, but homemade is always the best!
- For even, clean lines while slicing, put the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (or freezer for 5 minutes) before slicing.
FAQ
How do I store these bars?
Since these bars have cream cheese in the buttercream, I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator when not eating.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You may and store them in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
How do I know the bars are done baking?
They will be golden brown on the edges, and lightly golden and soft in the center.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes. Homemade vanilla buttercream is always best, but store-bought works too.
Can I add different mix-ins?
Yes. Substitute the sprinkles for any time of the year, or chocolate chips.
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the bars
- 3/4 cups unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles*
For the buttercream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tbsp cream cheese*
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream*
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp baking powder
- In another bowl, add the butter and sugar. Cream together on medium-speed for a few minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.3/4 cups unsalted butter, 3/4 cups white sugar
- Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Continue mixing until well combined.1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tbsp vanilla
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix together (either with the mixer or a spatula it's up to you) just until the dry streaks disappear. The dough will be thick.
- Mix in the sprinkles.1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles*
- Transfer into the prepared pan and spread evenly. I find the best way to spread the cookie dough evenly in the pan is with my fingers.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges are a golden brown and the middles are a lighter color. Remove from pan and allow to cool completely.
For the buttercream
- Cream together the butter and cream cheese until well combined.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 tbsp cream cheese*
- Add in the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue creaming, scraping the bowl as needed.1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups powdered sugar, pinch of salt
- Add in the cream, 1 tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency.2 tbsp heavy whipping cream*
- Spread evenly on the bars, then top with more sprinkles, slice, and enjoy!
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