Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

x 1

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, sweet, buttery, and full of holiday sprinkles topped with creamy vanilla frosting. A nostalgic treat for holiday parties and cookie exchanges.

Store frosted cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let chilled bars come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. To freeze frosted bars, freeze until frosting is firm then layer between parchment in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months. Thaw before serving.

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

18 min

Total Time

1 3/10 hours

Serves

24

Servings

24

Dessert
Snack
Baking
Kid Friendly

For the Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup},{ unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 cup Christmas sprinkles jimmies, plus more for garnish

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms. It will be soft, not a normal dry cookie dough texture.
  6. Fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
  7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks just set. Do not overbake; the bars will continue to firm as they cool and should remain soft and chewy.
  9. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Frosting

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream room temperature; add more as needed
  • food coloring optional
  • additional Christmas sprinkles for decorating

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
  2. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt.
  3. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until combined.
  4. Add the heavy cream and beat for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  5. Tint with food coloring if desired (e.g., a couple drops of red for pink color or green for Christmas).
  6. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars and top with additional sprinkles.
  7. Slice into squares and enjoy!