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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Frosted & Festively Perfect for Holiday Crowds

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars deliver everything you love about classic frosted sugar cookies — soft, thick, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a creamy layer of vanilla buttercream — but without the work of rolling, cutting, or shaping. They’re the ultimate holiday treat for busy bakers, parties, cookie boxes, potlucks, and family gatherings. The base is ultra-soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and flavored with vanilla and a touch of almond for that signature bakery-style taste. Topped with fluffy holiday frosting and festive sprinkles, these bars slice beautifully and taste even better the next day. Christmas baking has never been easier or more delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 20 Cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Sugar Cookie Bar Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup sour cream keeps bars soft and tender
Christmas Buttercream Frosting
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring red, green, or pastel holiday hues
  • Holiday sprinkles
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Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)
  • Sharp knife for cutting

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. Cream together in a large bowl:
  2. butter
  3. granulated sugar
  4. Beat 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add:
  1. eggs
  2. vanilla
  3. almond extract
  4. sour cream
  5. Beat until smooth.
  6. In a separate bowl whisk:
  7. flour
  8. baking soda
  9. baking powder
  10. salt
  11. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined — do NOT overmix.
  12. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 2: Spread in Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment.
  3. Press dough evenly into the pan using:
  4. greased hands
  5. or an offset spatula
  6. Try to smooth the top so bars bake evenly.
Step 3: Bake
  1. Bake 18–22 minutes, until:
  2. edges look set
  3. center looks slightly puffed
  4. top remains pale (do NOT overbake)
  5. A soft center ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  6. Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
  1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
Add:
  1. vanilla
  2. heavy cream
  3. Beat 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
  4. Color frosting with desired Christmas shades.
Step 5: Decorate
  1. Spread frosting across cooled cookie bars.
  2. Add holiday sprinkles immediately so they stick.
  3. Chill 10 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Freezing

Room Temp: 2–3 days
Refrigerator: 5–6 days
Freezer:
Unfrosted bars: 2 months
Frosted bars: 1 month (freeze in a single layer first)

🥄 Variations

Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
Add peppermint extract + crushed candy canes.
Funfetti Christmas Bars
Add red/green sprinkles into the dough.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Swap half the butter for cream cheese.
Gingerbread Sugar Cookie Bars
Add cinnamon + nutmeg + molasses.
Chocolate Frosted Bars
Add cocoa powder to frosting.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Add a festive drizzle over frosting.
Red Velvet Bars
Tint dough red + top with cream cheese frosting.
Grinch Bars
Tint frosting green + add a single red heart sprinkle.
Sugar Cookie Sandwich Bars
Cut in half and make double-layer frosting sandwiches.
Almond Bakery Bars
Add more almond extract for classic bakery flavor.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a half-sheet pan.
Why are my bars dry?
They were overbaked — pull when pale.
Can I skip almond extract?
Yes, but it gives that classic sugar cookie taste.
Can I color the dough?
Absolutely — swirl red and green for Christmas marble bars.
Can these be gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
Can I frost warm bars?
No — frosting melts and becomes greasy.
Can I use canned frosting?
Yes — but homemade is best.
How do I cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes — they stay soft for days.
Can I use cookie cutters after baking?
Yes — press shapes after cooling.

🏁 Conclusion

These Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, thick, easy, and irresistibly festive — everything you love about sugar cookies, simplified into a no-fuss holiday dessert. With luscious buttercream frosting and a tender crumb, they’re perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy Christmas celebrations at home.
A holiday staple your family will beg for every year.