The scent of freshly baked sugar cookies is practically synonymous with Christmas. But let’s face it, rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies can be time-consuming during the already hectic holiday season. That’s where these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars come to the rescue! Imagine all the deliciousness of classic sugar cookies, transformed into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar. These bars are soft, chewy, packed with festive sprinkles, and require minimal effort. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with a mug of hot cocoa. I’ve baked hundreds of cookies, but these bars? They’re a game-changer for busy holiday bakers. Plus, the vibrant colors make them irresistibly appealing, perfect for spreading Christmas cheer!
This recipe is born from years of tweaking and testing. I’ve perfected the ratio of butter to sugar, ensuring a soft, never-dry texture. I’ve also experimented with different extracts to find the perfect balance of flavor. Baking is a science, but it’s also an art – and these bars are a masterpiece of both! This year, surprise your friends and family with these delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to bake these irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. Quality ingredients make a difference, so choose wisely! Understanding each ingredient’s role will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bars. Make sure to measure correctly – spoon and level is best to avoid packing the flour, which can lead to dry bars. Look for unbleached flour if possible.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent. Baking powder creates lift and contributes to the soft, chewy texture. Ensure yours is fresh; old baking powder loses its potency.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. A pinch of salt is essential in baking.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Butter is crucial to a good sugar cookie base, it provides fat that gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure. It also helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture. Use large eggs for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. Almond extract can also be added for a unique flavor profile.
- Christmas Sprinkles: For that festive touch! Use a variety of festive sprinkles – red, green, white, and gold.
Ingredient Science & Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure it’s a solid butter alternative, not a spread.
- Sugar Alternatives: You can use a granulated sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture.
- Vanilla Extract Boost: For an even deeper vanilla flavor, try using vanilla bean paste in addition to or in place of vanilla extract.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Over years of baking, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect results every time. These expert tips will elevate your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars from good to absolutely unforgettable!
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For slightly thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps prevent spreading.
- Even Baking: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately heated. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- Perfectly Soft Bars: Don’t overbake! The bars should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Sprinkle Placement: Gently press the sprinkles into the dough after spreading it in the pan. This helps them adhere during baking.
- Clean Cuts: Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean, even slices. A warm knife can also help.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of almond extract to the dough for a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
Storage & Substitutions
Want to make these bars ahead of time or need to make a substitution? Here’s how to keep your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars perfect, no matter what!
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving. You can freeze them whole or pre-cut into squares.
Substitutions:
- Brown Butter: For a richer, nuttier flavor, use brown butter instead of softened butter. Allow the brown butter to cool and solidify slightly before using.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon for unique flavor variations.
- Icing Option: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars for added sweetness and visual appeal. Make the glaze with powdered sugar, milk and a dash of vanilla extract.
FAQ: Your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bar Questions Answered
Got questions about making these bars? I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence!
Why are my sugar cookie bars dry?
Dry sugar cookie bars are often caused by overmeasuring the flour. Make sure to spoon and level the flour when measuring. Overbaking can also lead to dryness. Keep a close eye on the bars in the oven and remove them when they’re slightly soft in the center.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They store well at room temperature for a few days or can be frozen for longer storage. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container.
Can I use a different kind of sprinkles?
Of course! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like. Jimmies, nonpareils, or even sanding sugar would work well. Get creative and choose sprinkles that match your holiday theme!
How do I get the bars to cut cleanly?
The key to clean cuts is to let the bars cool completely before slicing. A warm knife can also help. Run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut for the cleanest results.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips! White chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these bars. Fold them into the batter after mixing in the vanilla extract.
What size pan should I use?
This recipe is designed for a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using a different size pan will affect the baking time and thickness of the bars.
Spread Holiday Cheer with These Easy Bars!
These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of sugar cookies without all the fuss. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to bring joy to everyone who tries them. From the soft, chewy texture to the festive sprinkles, these bars are a holiday treat that you’ll make year after year. I know they will become a tradition for your family just as they have for mine!
Now it’s your turn! Bake a batch of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars and share them with your loved ones. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! And be sure to check out my other holiday cookie recipes, like my Classic Gingerbread Cookies, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for more festive baking inspiration. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
