Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive twist on the classic sugar cookie, combining a soft, creamy texture with rich frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to make and delightfully delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 ½ cups flour

Frosting:

• ½ cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3-5 Tbsp milk (start with 3 and add more to desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10″x15″x1″ pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, cream cheese, and egg together for about 4 minutes until creamy and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the almond extract and vanilla extract, then beat for another minute to incorporate the flavors.
4. Step 4: Mix in the flour and baking powder, beating for about 2 more minutes until the dough is smooth and uniform.
5. Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
6. Step 6: For the frosting, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk (starting with 3 tablespoons), vanilla extract, and food coloring until smooth. Adjust milk to reach desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond extract sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute with extra vanilla.
• Add festive sprinkles on top of the frosting before it sets for extra holiday cheer.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storage

Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These bars can also be frozen without frosting for up to 3 months; thaw completely and frost before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese or light cream cheese?

Regular cream cheese is best for the richest texture and flavor, but light cream cheese can be used if preferred, keeping in mind it may slightly change the texture.

What can I do if the frosting is too thick or too thin?

If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

Delight in the festive flavors of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a soft, buttery cookie base enhanced with cream cheese and almond extract. Topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a classic treat.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Bars

• 1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 ½ cups flour

Frosting

• ½ cup butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3–5 Tbsp milk (start with 3 and add more to desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookie bars.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, cream cheese, and egg for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
3. Add Extracts: Add the almond extract and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue beating for an additional minute to combine the flavors thoroughly.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the bowl and beat for 2 more minutes until a smooth dough forms.
5. Prepare & Bake: Press the dough evenly into a greased 10 x 15 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
6. Make Frosting: While the cookie bars cool, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring if desired to give festive colors.
7. Frost & Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Once frosted, slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in the dough and frosting.
• You can customize the frosting color with food coloring to suit holiday themes.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
• For a nut-free variation, omit the almond extract and increase vanilla extract slightly for flavor.

Keywords: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, holiday cookies, cream cheese frosting, baked cookie bars, festive desserts