Soft, chewy, and topped with rich, buttery frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to your festive baking lineup. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re the ultimate holiday treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: Brightly decorated with holiday sprinkles, these bars add a cheerful touch to any dessert table.
Soft and Chewy Texture: The sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the cookie bars moist and tender.

Easy to Make: Skip the hassle of rolling and cutting individual cookies—these bars bake all at once!
Customizable: Change the decorations and sprinkles for any holiday or special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sugar Cookie Bars

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
Red and green sprinkles or holiday decorations

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.

Add Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Spread the Dough

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it into the corners with a spatula or clean hands.

Bake

Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Make the Frosting

Cream the Butter

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Frost the Bars

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie bars using an offset spatula or knife.

Decorate

Sprinkle red and green holiday decorations or festive sprinkles evenly over the frosted bars.

Serve

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Variations

Colorful Frosting: Tint the frosting with red or green food coloring for a more vibrant presentation.
Flavored Frosting: Add a touch of peppermint extract to the frosting for a seasonal twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cookies.

Nut-Free Decorations: Use allergy-friendly sprinkles for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for extended freshness. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookie bars for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, bake the bars up to 2 days in advance and frost them on the day of serving.

2. What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

3. Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

4. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

6. What type of sprinkles work best?

Nonpareils or jimmies are great for even distribution and vibrant color.

7. How do I prevent overmixing?

Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the bars soft and tender.

8. Can I make these into individual cookies?

Yes, scoop the dough into cookie portions and bake for 10-12 minutes.

9. How do I soften butter quickly?

Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

10. Can I freeze frosted bars?

While it’s better to freeze them unfrosted, you can freeze frosted bars by placing them on a tray to harden, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap.

Conclusion

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive, fun, and delicious dessert perfect for the holiday season. With their soft, chewy texture and rich, creamy frosting, they’re a guaranteed hit at any celebration. Add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your dessert table with these delightful bars!