Can I make these ahead?

Yes, you can! Bake and frost them a day or two in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then let them come to room temperature before serving.

Why is the center soft?

That soft center gives the bars their chewy, cookie-like texture. The edges stay slightly firm while the middle stays tender. It’s exactly what makes them so good.

Can I use cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base. Just be sure the bars are fully cooled before spreading it on.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Sweet & Irresistible

Name: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Sweet & Irresistible
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter, softened: 1/2 cup; Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup; Brown sugar: 2 tbsp; Egg, large: 1; Vanilla extract: 2 tsp; Almond extract: 1/4 tsp; Baking powder: 1/2 tsp; All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups; Cornstarch: 1 tbsp; Salt: 1/4 tsp; Butter, softened: 4 tbsp; Powdered sugar: 1 cup; Heavy cream, cold: 3 tbsp; Vanilla extract: 1 tsp; Christmas sprinkles: as needed

Description

Soft, buttery Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars topped with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles. These festive cookie bars bake quickly with no dough chilling — perfect for holiday gifting or sharing.

Ingredients

Butter, softened: 1/2 cup

Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup

Brown sugar: 2 tbsp

Egg, large: 1

Vanilla extract: 2 tsp

Almond extract: 1/4 tsp

Baking powder: 1/2 tsp

All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups

Cornstarch: 1 tbsp

Salt: 1/4 tsp

Frosting:

Butter, softened: 4 tbsp

Powdered sugar: 1 cup

Heavy cream, cold: 3 tbsp

Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Christmas sprinkles: as needed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment or foil.

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.

5. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

6. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan.

7. Bake for 15 minutes. The center should look slightly underbaked.

8. Let bars cool completely in the pan.

9. For frosting: beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

10. Add heavy cream and vanilla, then whip until light and fluffy.

11. Spread frosting over cooled bars and top with Christmas sprinkles.

12. Chill to set frosting or slice and serve immediately.

Notes

No chilling required for the dough.

Customize colors and sprinkles for any holiday.

Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting.

Storage: airtight in fridge for up to 7 days.

Freezing: freeze frosted bars with parchment between layers.

Let bars rest at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 70 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg