When you want a warm, festive addition to your holiday table, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deliver. They’re simple to make and bring cheerful holiday flavor without the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies.
These bars capture everything you love about sugar cookies—soft, buttery texture and a sweet vanilla flavor—while saving time. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or a cozy family evening. One bite and they may become a new holiday tradition.
What I Love About These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Easy Recipe: Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Texture: Soft and buttery, like a classic sugar cookie in bar form.
Customizable: Swap frosting colors and sprinkles to match any celebration.
Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy whipping cream or milk
- Clear vanilla extract (optional for white frosting)
- Sprinkles
How To Make Christmas Cookie Bars
This preview outlines the main steps. See the recipe card below for exact measurements and the full instructions.
Make the Sugar Cookie Bars Base:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until incorporated.
- Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown. Remove and cool completely, about 1½ hours.
Make The Frosting:
- Cream the softened butter in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Sift the powdered sugar into a separate bowl if you want a smoother frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream or milk. Stir in the vanilla and beat until smooth.
To Finish:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and sprinkle immediately.
- Let the frosting set, then slice into squares.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Sifter (optional)
- Knife for slicing
Recipe Tip
Clear vanilla keeps frosting bright white, but regular vanilla works fine if color isn’t a concern.
More Serving Ideas
Serve these bars alongside other festive appetizers and drinks for a cheerful holiday spread.
Storage Tips
Store: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to three days or refrigerate up to a week.
Freeze: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to three months in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or 2–3 hours at room temperature.
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
Do I have to use parchment paper?
Parchment makes removing the bars easy; you can also grease the pan if needed.
What’s the best way to make the frosting smooth?
Sifting powdered sugar before mixing helps achieve a silky frosting.
What other decorations can I use besides sprinkles?
Try crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips for variety.
More Christmas Recipes
- Homemade Gingerbread Pancakes
- Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Classic 7Up Salad
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
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Equipment
-
9×13-inch baking pan
-
Parchment paper
-
Mixing bowls (large and small)
-
Hand mixer or stand mixer
-
measuring cups and spoons
-
Spatula
-
Sifter (optional)
-
Knife for slicing
Ingredients
COOKIES:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
FROSTING:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
MAKE THE COOKIE BARS:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until incorporated.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, until edges begin to brown.
- Cool completely, about 1½ hours.
MAKE THE FROSTING:
- Cream the butter until fluffy.
- Sift powdered sugar for a smoother frosting (optional).
- Add powdered sugar to butter gradually, alternating with cream.
- Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and add sprinkles immediately.
- Allow frosting to set, then cut into squares and store in a single layer in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.