If you’ve ever wanted the perfect festive treat that brings together all the best parts of cookies but in an easy-to-cut bar form, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is for you. It’s one of those recipes I reach for every holiday season because it’s quick to whip up and pleases everyone from cookie purists to frosting lovers. The bars have that classic sugar cookie flavor with just the right amount of chew, plus a luscious layer of creamy frosting topped off with festive sprinkles—what’s not to love?

I’ve found these bars work wonderfully for holiday parties or just as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of hot cocoa. Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make a double batch to share with neighbors or coworkers. The Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and festive fun, making it a worthwhile recipe to add to your holiday baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a classic sugar cookie base that’s soft yet sturdy enough for bars, paired with a smooth frosting that’s easy to spread. When you pick your ingredients, try to use high-quality vanilla and fresh butter—they truly make a difference in flavor.

Butter: Salted or unsalted works; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give a slight crispness on the edges.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and moisture to the cookie base.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the bars structure.
Almond extract: Just a hint here to add depth and warmth to the cookie flavor.
Vanilla extract: The star flavor enhancer for the cookie base and frosting.
Baking powder: Provides just enough lift for a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie base; scoop it properly to avoid dense bars.
Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and tender.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Heavy cream: Makes the frosting silky and spreadable.
Powdered sugar: For that classic frosting sweetness and smooth texture.
Christmas sprinkles: Because what’s Christmas without a little sparkle and color?

Variations

I love to mix things up with this recipe depending on the occasion or my mood. These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe variations let you keep things interesting while still tapping into that festive spirit.

Gluten-Free Version: I swap the flour with a gluten-free blend and it still turns out soft and tasty—just be sure to check your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the frosted bars for an extra decadent touch that guests always ask about.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough gives a warm holiday twist that’s lovely if you’re aiming for spice lovers.
Vegan Adaptation: I’ve tried using plant-based butter and a flax egg—results are pretty good, though the texture is a tad different, so adjust baking time accordingly.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your butter—this makes the mixing smooth and creamy. Beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air, giving your bars a nice tender texture. Take your time here—about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer should do it!

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg along with the almond and vanilla extracts. I always make sure my egg is room temperature because it blends better, avoiding any tiny lumps. This step adds flavor and binds everything together, so don’t rush.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumps of leavening agents in your dough.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, and nobody wants that. The dough should be soft but hold together nicely.

Step 5: Press Dough into Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, then evenly press your cookie dough into the pan. I find using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon helps to make it perfectly even. This ensures your bars bake uniformly with a nice edge all around.

Step 6: Bake Until Light Golden

Bake your base for about 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You want the edges to be a light golden brown while the center is set but still soft. It’s tempting to overbake—resist it! These bars keep baking a bit after coming out and will stay soft and chewy.

Step 7: Prepare and Spread Frosting

While your bars cool completely (don’t rush this step), whip up your frosting by combining softened butter, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting generously over the top. The creamy frosting perfectly complements the buttery cookie base—it’s my favorite part!

Step 8: Add Your Christmas Sprinkles

Finally, sprinkle those joyful Christmas sprinkles all over the frosting to bring color and cheer. It’s such a simple touch but can instantly brighten up your dessert platter. Let the frosting set for about 20-30 minutes before slicing into bars.

How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows eight white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. From top left, a bowl filled with soft, pale yellow butter squares sits next to a single brown egg. Below the egg, a bowl contains white, red, and green tiny round sprinkles. In the middle row, from left, there is a bowl of dark brown sugar with a slightly rough texture and next to it, a small bowl of white liquid. Below these, a small bowl holds fine white salt. To the right, a bowl contains smooth light brown peanut butter. The bottom row shows a bowl full of white flour with a powdery texture, and beside it, a bowl of thick, swirled white cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic colorful Christmas sprinkles for that festive flair, but sometimes I like to add crushed peppermint candy on top for a refreshing crunch and holiday twist. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy look that guests adore.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfect alongside a warm cup of eggnog, hot chocolate, or spiced cider. If you’re serving a party spread, pairing them with assorted nuts or a cheese platter adds a nice balance of savory to sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging the bars on a festive platter lined with pine sprigs or cranberries for a beautiful holiday effect. For gift-giving, wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with a ribbon makes a charming, homemade present. It’s those little details that turn simple bars into a real holiday hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I keep these bars covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the frosting soft but fresh. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is best but bring to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unfrosted bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil with great success for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and then add your frosting fresh to avoid any texture issues. It’s a great way to prep ahead and have holiday treats ready to go!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the bars warm, just pop an unfrosted piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If frosted, I recommend removing the frosting before warming or just enjoying them at room temperature to keep that creamy frosting intact and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting. Just make sure your dairy-free butter is suitable for baking, and the frosting may be a little less creamy but still tasty.
How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?

The Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, refrigeration helps extend freshness to about a week, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best flavor.
Can I use a different extract instead of almond?

Yes! Almond extract is optional and adds a nice warm note, but vanilla alone works perfectly well. You might also try lemon or peppermint extract for fun, festive variations that add their own unique twist.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without cracking the frosting?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep edges clean. Also, refrigerate the bars for 15-30 minutes to firm up the frosting before slicing. This prevents smudging and keeps your bars looking beautiful.
Can I bake these bars in a different pan size?

You can use a 9×9 inch pan, but your bars will be slightly thinner and bake faster. Keep an eye on the baking time and start checking a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe feels like a hug in dessert form to me. It’s reliable, festive, and easy enough to make without stress—which is exactly what I want from holiday baking. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do; they really add a sweet sparkle to any holiday gathering or quiet night in. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new holiday tradition in a bar!