Jolly Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving that christmas sugar cookie goodness but dreading the endless rolling and cutting? Oh my gosh , I feel you! That's where these Jolly Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come in, a game changer during the hectic holiday season.

It's basically all the delicious flavour of sugar cookies, but way easier .

The Lowdown on These Festive Bars

These babies aren't just any dessert; they're a simplified version of a classic. Originating from the desire to make holiday baking less stressful, they offer the same buttery, vanilla flavour in an easy-to-slice form.

These are super simple to make. Prep takes about 20 minutes plus 15 minutes chilling, baking is 25- 30 minutes , which gives us around 1 hour and 5 minutes total.

This recipe makes 16 bars.

Why You'll Love These Holiday Cookie Bars

Honestly, the best thing is how easy they are! But they're also incredibly satisfying. These holiday cookie bars are perfect for christmas baking ideas or a christmas cookie exchange recipes party!

What sets this cream cheese frosting recipe apart is its simplicity and the fact that you get all the sugar cookie yumminess without the fuss.

Okay, let's get these sorted, quicker than you can say "Santa's Little Helper"! Based on the provided recipe and the understanding of , here's a list of 10 designed to boost search engine visibility, thinking of what folks might actually type into Google when craving these Christmas treats:

• easy christmas cookie recipes
• christmas baking ideas
• cream cheese frosting recipe
• holiday cookie bars
• festive sprinkle desserts
• christmas cookie bar variations
• 9x13 christmas desserts
• make-ahead christmas cookies
• soft sugar cookie bars
• christmas cookie exchange recipes

Get Your Ingredients Sorted!

Before we dive in, let’s round up what you'll need for these dreamy christmas sugar cookie bars .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Baking Party Started!

Okay, let's get these ingredients sorted, quicker than you can say "Santa's Little Helper"! We're making christmas sugar cookie bars , and trust me, it's way easier than wrestling with gingerbread men.

I reckon this recipe will even get you on the christmas cookie exchange recipes invite list!

Main Ingredients: The Christmas Crew

• Softened Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) / 227g . Honestly, good butter makes all the difference. Get the proper stuff, you know?
• Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups / 300g
• Large Eggs: 2 . Free range if you're feeling fancy, but honestly, any eggs will do in a pinch.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Don't skimp on this.
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional). This one adds a little "je ne sais quoi."
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups / 360g , plus extra for dusting.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces / 227g , softened. Like, really softened.
• Unsalted Butter (for frosting): ½ cup (1 stick) / 113g , softened.
• Powdered Sugar: 3-4 cups / 360-480g , sifted. Nobody wants lumpy frosting.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: 2-3 tablespoons .
• Vanilla Extract (for frosting): 1 teaspoon .
• Salt (for frosting): A pinch.
• Christmas Sprinkles: As many as your heart desires. Go wild! For a festive sprinkle desserts , is a must have item, you know?

For the butter, make sure it's properly softened. You should be able to poke it easily. I once used cold butter and oh my gosh, what a nightmare. Never again.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Cookies!)

For these christmas sugar cookie bars , vanilla and almond extract are your main flavor buddies. But you can totally get creative.

A pinch of nutmeg? Lemon zest? Go for it! If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a little orange extract instead of almond.

It's a game changer. This can lead to christmas cookie bar variations .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart

• 9x13 inch baking pan . This is a must, unless you want a cookie crumble mess.
• Parchment paper or foil. Makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me.
• Electric mixer. Stand mixer is great but a hand mixer will do.
• Mixing bowls. At least two, one for wet and one for dry.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta get those measurements right!
• Rubber spatula.

Baking the Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: A step-by-step Guide

Okay, let's get these easy christmas cookie recipes sorted, quicker than you can say "Santa's Little Helper"! Honestly, who has time for fussy cookies during the holidays? That's why I am obsessed with these christmas sugar cookie bars ! They are so good.

They taste like Christmas in a bar, and are way easier than rolling out individual cookies. Plus, they're a festive sprinkle desserts dream! Perfect for your christmas cookie exchange recipes , these holiday cookie bars will disappear faster than you can say "ho ho ho!".

It is also one of the best christmas baking ideas .

Prep Steps for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

First things first: mise en place . Get everything out. I mean everything . Soften your 1 cup (2 sticks) (227g) unsalted butter , let the 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese warm up a bit.

It's like giving them a spa day before the real work begins. I always forget to do this and end up with lumpy frosting! Don't be me!

Next, line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang. This is crucial, trust me. It will save your life when you’re trying to get those bars out in one piece.

As for safety, just watch those oven mitts no one wants burnt fingers during the holidays.

step-by-step: Bar Baking Bliss

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is your christmas sugar cookie bars magic number.
2. Cream together that softened butter and 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar . Make it fluffy!
3. Beat in 2 large eggs , one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (and a dash of ½ teaspoon almond extract if you're feeling fancy).
4. Whisk together 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon baking powder , and ½ teaspoon salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender bar.
6. Press the dough into your prepared pan. You can use your hands.
7. Chill for 15 minutes to avoid too much spreading.
8. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.

Pro Tips for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

• Chill Time is Key: Chilling the dough for even a short amount of time helps prevent excessive spreading. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into one giant, thin cookie!
• Don't Overbake: Overbaking is the cardinal sin of bar cookies. Nobody wants a hockey puck. You can prevent this by baking it for the mentioned time.
• make-ahead frosting is a game changer. The cream cheese frosting recipe can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. Let it soften a bit before frosting.
• These soft sugar cookie bars are delicious and you can get christmas cookie bar variations . Also try other 9x13 christmas desserts .

Seriously, these bars are a holiday lifesaver. They're quick, easy, and totally delicious. Give them a go! You won't regret it!

Recipe Notes for Jolly Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Okay, let's talk about nailing these christmas sugar cookie bars . Honestly, a recipe is just a starting point, right? This is where we get into the nitty gritty to make sure yours are absolutely banging.

These aren't just any easy christmas cookie recipes , they're your easy christmas cookie recipes! Let's ensure success.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Presentation On!

How you present these bad boys is half the battle. Picture this: glistening bars cut into perfect squares, arranged artfully on a festive platter.

Sprinkle a little extra fairy dust (I mean, sprinkles) around them for extra pizzazz. To make sure you impress friends and family, consider a side of ice-cold milk or a cup of warm hot chocolate.

Nothing says "Christmas" like that combo. Want to be extra fancy? A dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone. My personal favourite? Cut them into star shapes with a cookie cutter!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive

So, you’ve baked your heart out, and now you've got a batch of these festive holiday cookie bars staring back at you.

Keep them fresh, yeah? They'll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Want to make them way ahead? I understand that! Freeze them! Wrap them tightly and they'll be fine for up to 2 months.

Let them defrost at room temperature before frosting. Honestly, they're almost as good as fresh. To reheat, if needed, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

The edges may be a bit darker but don't worry, they will be tasty!

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Fancy a twist on these christmas sugar cookie bars? Swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint for a refreshing taste, or add chocolate chips for a richer flavour.

For the frosting? Get creative with flavorings. Wanting a festive vibe? These christmas baking ideas are great because we can add a bit of food colouring to match the festive season.

To make them gluten-free, just swap the plain flour for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat, A Lot of Joy

Each bar's around 350 calories, with 3g of protein, 18g of fat, 45g of carbs, and roughly 25g of sugar.

Remember these are estimates, it's a treat! Moderation is key. These soft soft sugar cookie bars are all about bringing joy and festive cheer.

So there you have it! Baking isn't an exact science, but with these tips, you're well on your way to 9x13 christmas desserts stardom.

Time to get baking and make some memories (and delicious treats)! Have a great time and keep baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these christmas sugar cookie bars ahead of time? I'm a busy elf!

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Once cooled, store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste and to prevent the frosting from drying out. This way, you can spread the Christmas cheer without spreading yourself too thin!

My frosting is too runny! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Ah, the dreaded runny frosting! This usually happens if your butter or cream cheese were a tad too warm, or if you added too much liquid. Don't fret! The easiest fix is to gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up a bit too.

How should I store leftover christmas sugar cookie bars to keep them fresh?

To keep your christmas sugar cookie bars tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually or in small stacks with parchment paper in between, then place them in a freezer safe container.

They'll last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Can I make these christmas sugar cookie bars gluten-free? My friend has celiac disease.

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure it's a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep a close eye on them.

It's a wonderful way to ensure everyone can enjoy a festive treat!

Are there any fun variations I can try with these christmas sugar cookie bars?

Oh, absolutely! Get creative! Try adding ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist, or swirl in some raspberry jam before baking for a fruity flavour. For a peppermint kick, crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the frosting.

You could even add a dash of almond extract to the batter for a marzipan like flavour. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!