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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.
20 min
Prep Time
18 min
Cook Time
1 hr 18 min
Total Time
24
Serves
24
Servings
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.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
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.
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.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
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.
Fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
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.
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt.
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until combined.
Add the heavy cream and beat for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Tint with food coloring if desired (e.g., a couple drops of red for pink color or green for Christmas).
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookie bars and top with additional sprinkles.
Slice into squares and enjoy!