Christmas Cookie Bars | Ultimate Easy Holiday Treat

Buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet, these Christmas Cookie Bars are everything you love about classic sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling or cutting dough. Topped with creamy buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles, they’re the ultimate holiday dessert for parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in. Quick to make and easy to decorate, this recipe delivers all the Christmas spirit with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

You’ll love these Christmas Cookie Bars because they turn a classic cookie into an easy, one-pan treat. They bake evenly, stay chewy, and have that nostalgic sugar-cookie flavor. Plus, you can frost and decorate them any way you like. Whether you’re short on time or baking for a crowd, these bars promise soft centers, crisp edges, and a stunning holiday look. They’re festive, simple, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cookie base, you’ll need everyday pantry staples:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons red and green jimmy sprinkles

For the frosting:

• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Extra sprinkles for topping

You can also add food coloring to the frosting or swap in themed sprinkles to match any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a mixer, beat sugar, powdered sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla and eggs, mixing until smooth. Stir in baking powder and salt. Gradually mix in flour until fully combined. Finally, fold in the sprinkles. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 12–14 minutes, just until lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat the butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla, salt, and cream (or milk). Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. To keep it silky, mix on low to reduce air bubbles. Adjust consistency by adding a teaspoon of cream at a time until perfect.

Frost and Decorate

Once the cookie bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Add plenty of sprinkles for that festive sparkle. For clean cuts, chill the pan in the freezer for 5 minutes or the fridge for 20 before slicing into 24 bars. Serve and enjoy the soft, buttery goodness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Bars

Always cream your butter and sugar until fluffy — that step gives these bars their signature tender bite. Also, avoid overbaking; the bars should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue setting as they cool. To keep them fresh, store in an airtight container once fully cooled. For neat edges, chill briefly before cutting. Want a twist? Try topping with crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch or serve them with Peppermint Bark Brownies for a festive chocolate twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

These Christmas Cookie Bars store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5. You can also freeze unfrosted bars for up to a month. Just thaw before adding frosting. If you’re prepping for a big holiday event, bake the bars a day ahead, then frost the morning of your gathering.

Grinch-Inspired Cookie Bar Variation

For a playful twist, make “Grinch” Cookie Bars! Use green sprinkles in the dough and tint your frosting bright green. Finish with a tiny red heart sprinkle on each bar. Kids love this version, and it’s perfect for themed parties or movie nights. Pair them with Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting for decadent holiday bakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• Red White and Blue Cheesecake Bars for holiday-themed treats
• Patriotic Sugar Cookie Bars as a fun bar-style dessert variation
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe for classic holiday flavors
• Mini Sweet Potato Pies as a warm and cozy seasonal dessert
• Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars for creamy bar-style inspiration

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars bring all the joy of the season into one pan — buttery, soft, and covered in sweet frosting. They’re festive enough for a holiday table yet easy enough for a quick family bake. Share them with friends, take them to a cookie exchange, or keep them on the counter for after-dinner treats. However you enjoy them, they’ll fill your kitchen with cheer and your heart with warmth. You can also share your version on Pinterest or join the community on Facebook.

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