Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect festive dessert that combines the joy of holiday flavors with the ease of a simple bar cookie. These delightful treats are soft, chewy, and covered in vibrant sprinkles, making them a cheerful addition to any holiday gathering. With their delightful sweetness and festive appearance, they are sure to become a hit at your holiday celebrations! 🎄✨
Why make this recipe?
Making Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is not only easy, but they also capture the essence of the holiday season. These bars are great for sharing with friends and family, and they can be customized with your favorite festive sprinkles. Plus, they take less time to prepare than traditional sugar cookies, making them a convenient option for busy bakers.
How to prepare Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp baking powder 🥄
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 cup festive sprinkles 🎉
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the festive sprinkles gently so that they are evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and press down lightly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Enjoy! 🎉🍪
How to serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Serve these festive cookie bars on a holiday platter or in individual servings. You can pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat. They also make great gifts when wrapped in clear bags and tied with a festive ribbon! 🎁
How to store Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks! For best results, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 🥡
Tips for preparing Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; combine until just mixed for soft bars.
- Experiment with different sprinkles or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist! 🌟
Variations
- Try adding peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a minty flavor.
- Use different colored sprinkles for various themes, like red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter. 🌈
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked batter or baked bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw before serving.
Q: How can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.
Q: What’s the best way to cut these bars?
A: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts. To make it easier, spray the knife with cooking spray between cuts.
Enjoy baking these delicious Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars and bringing some holiday cheer to your home! 🍪💕