Name: Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars - Best Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1½ cups butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (for icing); 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted; A dash of kosher salt (for icing); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing); 1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing); 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Food coloring (optional)

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a festive treat; they’re a delicious edible hug that embodies the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Imagin extracte that perfect, soft, buttery cookie base, baked into a convenient bar shape, then adorned with a sweet, smooth frosting and sprinkles that shimmer like freshly fallen snow. It’s no wonder these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars have become a beloved staple at parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings. They offer all the comforting flavor of traditional cut-out sugar cookies but with a delightfully easier preparation and serving method. The slight chegrape juicess in the center, the crisp edges, and the melt-in-your-mouth frosting create a symphony of textures and tastes that truly capture the magic of Christmas. This recipe takes those classic elements and elevates them into a showstopping, yet surprisingly simple, holiday dessert that everyone will adore.

Ingredients:

1½ cups butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Royal Icing:

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
A dash of kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Food coloring (optional)

Making the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Cookie Dough Preparation

The foundation of delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars lies in a rich and buttery dough. To begin extract, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1½ cups of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed, or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pnon-alcoholic ale yellow. This process incorporates air into the dough, which will contribute to a tender cookie texture. Gradually add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Next, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. The almond extract, while subtle, adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar cookies beautifully, giving them that classic holiday taste.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Sifting the flour is a good practice here, as it helps to aerate it and prevent lumps, leading to a smoother dough. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. The dough will be quite soft and slightly sticky.

Chilling and Baking the Cookie Bars

Once the dough is mixed, divide it in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is a crucial step. It allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, making the dough much easier to handle and preventing the bars from spreading too much during baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×13 inch baking pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into one of the prepared baking pans, pressing it evenly into the bottom. Repeat with the second disk of dough in the other baking pan. You want to ensure an even layer so that the bars bake uniformly. Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork. This helps to prevent large air bubbles from forming during baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Let the cookie bars cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove them from the pans.

Preparing the Royal Icing

While the cookie bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the luscious royal icing that will crown these festive treats. In a clean, large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup of softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the 5 cups of sifted powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until mostly incorporated. The powdered sugar should be sifted to ensure a lump-free, smooth icing. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the icing is light and fluffy.

Next, add the dash of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Stir in 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat the icing until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the icing is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, you can add a little more sifted powdered sugar. This icing is perfect for a smooth, even coating on your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.

Decorating the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Once the cookie bars have cooled completely in their pans, and the icing has been prepared, it’s time for the fun part – decorating! If you plan to use food coloring for a festive look, divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each portion with your desired colors. For vibrant holiday hues, consider classic reds, greens, and whites. Gently spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookie bars using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Ensure you get to the edges for a clean finish. You can create swirls or patterns with the spatula if you like.

For a truly special touch, you can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even piped decorative elements using a piping bag and tips before the icing sets. This is where your creativity can truly shine, making each batch of Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars unique and a delight to behold. Once decorated, allow the icing to set completely at room temperature for at least an hour, or until firm to the touch, before cutting into bars and serving. This ensures the decoration stays put and the bars are easy to handle. Enjoy these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars as a sweet addition to your holiday celebrations!

Conclusion:

I hope you absolutely love making and sharing these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars! They are a fantastic way to bring festive cheer to any gathering, or simply to enjoy a sweet treat during the holiday season. The simplicity of the dough, combined with the customizable nature of the frosting and decorations, makes them a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your designs – the more colorful and festive, the better!

For serving suggestions, these bars are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. Consider arrangin extractg them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treagin extractlike gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a truly spectacular dessert table. Get your family and friends involved in decorating; it’s a fun activity that creates lasting memories. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different extract flavors in the dough, like almond or lemon, for a unique twist!

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

Q: How should I store leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

A: Store your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you have frosted them with a buttercream that contains cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate them. You can also freeze undecorated cookie bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Q: Can I make the dough for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars dough up to 2 days in advance. Once the dough is made, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before pressing it into your baking pan to make it easier to spread evenly.