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    Home » Desserts

    Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

    Published: December 6, 2021 - Last updated: February 8, 2023 by Erika

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    christmas sugar cookie bars pin

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclosure.

    Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are made with classic ingredients and frosted with a delicious cream cheese frosting. Festive, fun, simple to make and perfect for gift giving. This easy sugar cookie recipe is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

    sugar cookie bars on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Christmas Recipes You'll Love
    • Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

    Check out my Grinch Fudge and my Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats for more sweet Christmas treats!

    These Christmas sugar cookie bars are delicious and the decorations are easy enough for kids to help. The cookie dough requires no chilling, are easy to make, and stay wonderfully soft for days. This recipe is the perfect fit to your baking needs this holiday season.

    These Christmas cookies will sweeten your holidays! 

    frosted sugar cookie bars.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • They are soft, thick, chewy and perfect for Christmas.
    • Perfect for Christmas Eve on the cookie plate!
    • Easy and quick to make, these sugar cookie bars are a great festive treat for the whole family.
    • They are perfect for your Christmas cookie exchange! 
    • Frosted with a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Christmas sugar cookie bars labeled ingredients.

    Sugar Cookie Bars

    • Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter. Make sure it's at room temperature!
    • Cream Cheese: Makes the bars extra soft.
    • Granulated Sugar: Every great dessert or treat has sugar in the recipe.
    • Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavoring.
    • Large Eggs: Be sure to use a room temperature eggs.
    • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour for the best results.
    • Cornstarch: Makes them chewier.
    • Baking Powder: Helps with the doubling of your ingredients.
    • Salt: Brings out all the flavors in your bars.

    Frosting

    • Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature.
    • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the frosting a little less sweet.
    • Salt: Balances the sugar in the frosting.
    • Vanilla Extract: For flavor.
    • Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
    • Sprinkles: Any kind you want! 

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making Christmas sugar cookie bars.
    two image process making Christmas sugar cookie bars.

    Sugar Cookie Bars

    Step 1:

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

    Step 2:

    In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.

    Step 3:

    Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs.

    Step 4:

    In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.

    Step 5:

    Carefully mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture, about half at a time.

    Step 6:

    Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and with lightly greased hands press it into the pan to form an even layer.

    Step 7:

    Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

    Step 8:

    Cool the bars completely, leaving them in the pan as they cool.

    Frosting

    Step 1:

    Mix the butter and cream cheese together.

    Step 2:

    Add in the salt and vanilla extract.

    Step 3:

    On low speed, mix in the powdered sugar, about half cup at a time until the desired sweetness and thickness is reached.

    Step 4:

    Frost the cooled cookie bars, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    holiday sugar cookie bars on a plate.

    Expert Tips

    • Use real butter, not margarine softened to room temperature.
    • Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or else the frosting will come out lumpy.
    • Don't over-bake! Under baking is the key to the best soft and chewy bars!
    • Be sure to let them cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes so they will be easier to cut. The bars should be fully cooled before frosting, otherwise the frosting will melt.
    • Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper! It makes it much easier to get the cookie bars out of the pan to cut.
    • You can make these bars anytime throughout the year. Just pick a color that matches the occasion or holiday.
    • Spray a little oil on your fingers to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands when you press the dough into the baking dish.

    Variations

    • Use your favorite toppings! Using red, white and green M&Ms are an easy way to turn these cookies into a festive treat. Topping with white chocolate chips, chopped toffee bits, butterscotch chips are also great!
    • Mix some sprinkles into the batter before cooking for an extra festive look.
    • Try adding lemon extract or almond extract to the cookie dough or the frosting.
    • Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
    • Sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist for up to 3 days.

    Freezing: Wrap the bars in foil and place them in a freezer zip top bag or container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you're ready to eat them again. You can also heat the bars up in the microwave for a few seconds.

    Recipe FAQ's

    What is a cookie bar?

    Cookie bars are just like a cookie, but baked in a pan. They require simple prep, are easy bake, and you are able to slice and serve fast.

    How will I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

    Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out free of cookie batter it's done.

    What are the best sprinkles to use?

    Any sprinkles you have on hand is perfect!

    Do cookie bars need to be refrigerated?

    No, they can be left out at room temperature. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to keep them from getting too hard.

    Can I make a smaller batch?

    Yes! Half all the ingredients and make the bars in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan. Bake for the same amount of time.

    More Christmas Recipes You'll Love

    • Reindeer Hot Chocolate Bombs
    • Snowman Donuts

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    Christmas sugar cookie bars thumbnail picture.

    Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

    Erika
    Christmas sugar cookie bars are made with classic ingredients and frosted with a delicious frosting. Festive, fun, simple to make and perfect for gift giving. This easy sugar cookie recipe is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 22 mins
    Total Time 52 mins
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 Servings
    Calories 345 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pyrex Basics Clear Glass Baking Dishes - 2 Piece Value-Plus Pack - 1 Each: 3 Quart Oblong, 2 Quart Square

    Ingredients
      

    For Sugar Cookie Bars

    • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
    • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    For Frosting

    • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
    • 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 or 3 cups powdered sugar
    • Sprinkles

    Instructions
     

    For Sugar Cookie Bars

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
    • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
    • Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs.
    • In a separate mixing bowl sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt.
    • Carefully mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture about half at a time.
    • Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and with lightly greased hands press it into the pan to form an even layer.
    • Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
    • Cool the bars completely, leaving them in the pan as they cool.

    For Frosting

    • Mix the butter and cream cheese together.
    • Add in the salt and vanilla extract.
    • With the mixer on low speed mix in the powdered sugar about half cup at a time, until the desired sweetness and thickness is reached.
    • Frost the cooled cookie bars, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.

    Notes

    • Use real butter, not margarine softened to room temperature.
    • Soften the cream cheese to room temperature or else the frosting will come out lumpy.
    • Don’t over-bake! Under baking is the key to the best soft and chewy bars!
    • Be sure to let them cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes so they will be easier to cut.
    • The bars should be fully cooled before frosting, otherwise the frosting will melt.
    • Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper! It makes it much easier to get the cookie bars out of the pan to cut.
    • Spray a little oil on your fingers to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands when you press the dough into the baking dish.
    • Storing: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist for up to 3 days.
    • Freezing: Wrap the bars in foil and place them in a freezer zip top bag or container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat them again. You can also heat the bars up in the microwave for a few seconds.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Enjoy!

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    Welcome!

    I'm Erika! I'm so glad you're here. I live in Arizona where the sun is always shining! I'm a mom of four who loves spending time in the kitchen cooking, baking and eating!

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