Christmas baking is my absolute FAVORITE! I mean, is there anything better than the smell of sugar and spice wafting through the house? We all love classic Christmas cookies, but let’s be real, sometimes you just want something a *little* easier, right? That’s where these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come in. They’re basically sugar cookies, but in bar form – less rolling, less cutting, ALL the festive flavor! Seriously, these are my go-to when I need a quick and impressive treat. They’re perfect for potlucks, gifts, or, you know, just a little something for yourself (I won’t tell!). My family begs me to make these every year, and trust me, they disappear FAST.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Okay, so why *should* you make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars? Let me tell you – they’re seriously the BEST! They’re easy, festive, and totally delicious. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself, that is!). But seriously, here’s the lowdown:

Quick and Easy Christmas Dessert

Forget spending hours rolling and cutting out individual cookies! These bars are SO much faster. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and frost. Boom! Christmas dessert done!

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Festive and Fun Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

My favorite part? Decorating! Get the kids involved, break out the sprinkles, and go wild! These bars are a blank canvas for all your festive creativity. Seriously, the more sprinkles, the better!

Perfect for Sharing This Christmas

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars make a BIG batch, so they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting to friends and neighbors. Trust me, everyone will love you for them!

Ingredients for Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, promise. Just the usual suspects for a delicious sugar cookie, plus a few extras for that super festive frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:

250g unsalted butter, softened (Trust me, softened is key! Don’t even *think* about using it straight from the fridge!)
200g caster sugar (Also known as superfine sugar. It melts like a dream!)
1 tsp vanilla extract (The real stuff, please! It makes all the difference.)
1 medium egg, room temperature (Yep, room temperature again! Just let it sit out for a bit.)
425g plain flour (All-purpose flour works perfectly here.)
150g unsalted butter, softened (for decoration)
300g icing sugar (for decoration) (Also known as powdered sugar. Sift it for extra smoothness!)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for decoration) (Because you can NEVER have too much vanilla!)
Pinch of sea salt (for decoration) (Just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness.)
Food colouring (decoration), gel or liquid (Get creative! I love using gel for more vibrant colors.)
Sprinkles (decoration), various Christmas shapes (The more, the merrier! Seriously, go wild!)

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are super simple to make. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time!

Preparing the Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Dough

First things first, let’s get that dough made! This is the foundation of your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, so pay attention!

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C (that’s 375 degrees F)/170 degrees C fan (340 degrees F) and line a 9 by 9 inch tin with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper – it makes getting the bars out SO much easier!
Beat the softened butter and sugar together in a bowl until fluffy. You’ll want to beat it for a good few minutes until it’s light and airy – this is important!
Add the vanilla and egg and mix again. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated – you don’t want any eggy streaks in your dough!
Add the flour and beat to a dough. Don’t overmix! Just mix until it comes together. It’ll be a fairly stiff dough, and that’s exactly what you want.
Press into the base of the tin firmly. Really get in there and make sure it’s even. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down nice and flat.

Baking Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Now for the magic! Time to bake those bad boys!

Bake for 20-22 minutes and then leave to cool fully. Keep an eye on them! You want them to be lightly golden around the edges. They should be set but still slightly soft in the middle. And seriously, let them cool *completely* before frosting. I know, it’s hard, but trust me, it’s worth it! Otherwise, your frosting will melt. Oops!

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Decorating Your Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

This is the FUN part! Get ready to unleash your inner artist! (And maybe make a little bit of a mess. It’s okay, I won’t judge.)

In a new bowl, beat the softened butter on its own until smooth. Again, softened butter is key!
Add the icing sugar and beat again. Start slow, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar everywhere!
Add the vanilla, salt, and food colouring. Mix it all together until you get a smooth, creamy frosting.
Spread and fluff over the bars and decorate with the sprinkles. Go wild! This is where you can really get creative. I like to use a mix of different shapes and sizes of sprinkles for extra festive flair.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Want to make sure your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a total triumph? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips for baking success:

Room Temperature is Key! Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. Softened butter, room temperature eggs – it all makes a difference! Cold ingredients just don’t mix together as well, and you’ll end up with a lumpy batter.
Don’t Overbake! These bars are better a little bit soft than dry and crumbly. Start checking them around 18 minutes, and don’t be afraid to pull them out even if they seem a *tiny* bit underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Chill Out! (The Dough, That Is) If you find your dough is too soft or sticky to press into the pan, just pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill. It’ll make it much easier to work with.

Okay, quick story time! The first time I made these, I totally forgot to soften the butter. I was in a rush, and I thought, “Oh, it’ll be fine!” HUGE mistake! The dough was a nightmare to work with, and the bars ended up being a bit dense. Lesson learned! Now, I ALWAYS make sure my butter is properly softened. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy, shall we? One of the best things about these bars is how easy they are to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Extract Experiment! Vanilla is great, but why stop there? Try almond extract for a nutty flavor, peppermint extract for a festive kick, or even lemon extract for a bright and citrusy twist. Just add a teaspoon or two to the dough.
Spice It Up! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger can add a warm and cozy touch to your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. I especially love adding a little cinnamon to the dough during the holidays – it just screams “Christmas!”
Food Colouring Fun! Instead of just one colour of frosting, why not make a few different batches and create a rainbow effect on your bars? Or, try swirling different colours together for a marbled look. Get creative!

I remember one year, I decided to make Grinch-themed Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. I added green food colouring to the frosting and then topped them with little red heart sprinkles. They were a HUGE hit! Seriously, everyone loved them. And they were so easy to make! So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. That’s what baking is all about, right?

Storing and Serving Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Alright, so you’ve baked your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, decorated them to perfection, and maybe even managed to sneak a bite (or two!). Now what? Well, here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious, and some ideas for serving them up in style!

Room Temperature Storage: These bars will happily keep at room temperature for about 4-5 days. Just pop them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. I usually use a big Tupperware container, but a cookie tin works great too!
Freezer Friendly: Did you know you can freeze these bad boys? Seriously! They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months (maybe even longer, but let’s be real, they’ll probably be gone before then!). Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer bag.
Reheating (If Necessary): Okay, so technically, you don’t *need* to reheat these. They’re delicious straight from the freezer! But if you want them a little softer, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Careful, though – they can get melty FAST!

And now for the best part – serving! I mean, who doesn’t love a good Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar? Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

With a Glass of Milk: Classic, right? Nothing beats a warm Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar dipped in a cold glass of milk. It’s the perfect combination!
With Hot Chocolate: Okay, this is my personal favorite. A rich, creamy hot chocolate paired with a sweet and festive sugar cookie bar? YES, PLEASE!
As a Gift: These bars make the perfect homemade gift! Wrap them up in a pretty box or tin and give them to your friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Trust me, they’ll love you for it!

Seriously, no matter how you choose to store and serve them, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are guaranteed to be a hit! So go ahead, bake up a batch and spread some holiday cheer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Got questions about these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I use a different size pan? Absolutely! A 9×13 inch pan will work just fine – just keep an eye on the baking time, as they’ll probably need a few minutes less. They’ll be thinner, but still delicious! If you go smaller, like an 8×8, they’ll need a bit *longer*. Just poke them with a toothpick to check if they’re done!
Can I make these ahead of time? You bet! These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are actually great for making in advance. You can bake the bars a day or two ahead of time and then frost them just before serving. Or, you can even make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just let it soften up a bit before pressing it into the pan.
Can I freeze the bars? Yep! As I mentioned before, these freeze really well. This is a great way to get ahead of the holiday baking rush. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What sprinkles are best for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars? Ooh, this is a fun one! Honestly, anything goes! I love using a mix of different shapes, sizes, and colors of sprinkles for a really festive look. Stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees, jimmies, nonpareils – go wild! Just make sure they’re good quality sprinkles so the colors don’t bleed.
How do I prevent the bars from being dry? The key is to not overbake them! As soon as they’re lightly golden around the edges and set in the middle, pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue to bake a little bit as they cool. Also, make sure you’re using enough butter and sugar in the dough – these are what keep the bars moist and tender.

Nutritional Information for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Okay, let’s talk numbers! I know, I know, it’s not the most exciting part, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’re eating, right? So, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: About 350 (Hey, it’s Christmas! Treat yourself!)
Sugar: Roughly 30g (Yep, they’re sweet!)
Sodium: Around 50mg (Not too bad!)
Fat: Approximately 20g (Butter makes everything better, right?)
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: In the neighborhood of 40g (Fuel for all that Christmas shopping!)
Fiber: A smidge over 1g (Hey, every little bit helps!)
Protein: Just about 3g (Bonus!)
Cholesterol: Around 60mg (Just something to be aware of!)

Keep in mind, these are just estimates! The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your bars. But hey, at least you have a general idea! And remember, it’s all about balance. Enjoy your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!

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Ready to Bake Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and bake up some Christmas magic! I’m seriously SO excited for you to try these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. I just know you’re going to love them as much as my family does!

But before you go, I’d love to hear from you! Once you’ve made these, please, PLEASE come back and leave a rating and a comment. Seriously, your feedback means the world to me! Did you try any fun variations? Did you add a secret ingredient? I want to know ALL the details!

And don’t forget to share your creations on social media! Tag me in your photos – I’m @[YourSocialMediaHandle] – and use the hashtag #ChristmasSugarCookieBars. I can’t wait to see all your beautiful, festive bars! Get baking, and have a very merry Christmas!