Imagine the classic Christmas sugar cookie, but in an easier, shareable bar form. These Soft and Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars bring all the nostalgic flavors and festive cheer of traditional sugar cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting out individual shapes. Soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday sprinkles, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit at your next Christmas gathering or cookie exchange.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Forget the rolling pin and cookie cutters. These bars come together quickly and easily in a 9×13 inch pan, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The secret to these bars is the perfect balance of ingredients that creates a soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible texture.
- Festive and Fun: The colorful jimmies add a festive touch that makes these bars visually appealing and perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different extracts, sprinkles, or even adding a layer of jam or chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making them a great choice for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
For the Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (but still cold)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons red jimmies, divided
- 2 tablespoons green jimmies, divided
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (but still cold)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring the bars bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes removing the bars from the pan a breeze and prevents sticking.
Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl and electric hand mixer), add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the bars’ soft texture.
Step 3: Add the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined. The extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness to the bars.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, resulting in a consistent texture.
Step 5: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars.
Step 6: Gently fold in 1 tablespoon of red jimmies and 1 tablespoon of green jimmies. Reserve the rest of the sprinkles for garnishing.
Step 7: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. A flat, even surface will ensure the bars bake uniformly.
Step 8: Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to look golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish before frosting. This allows the bars to finish baking and prevents the frosting from melting.
Step 10: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, cream together the softened butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Step 11: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with the remaining red and green jimmies.
Step 12: Cut the bars into squares and serve.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these bars as a festive dessert at your Christmas parties or gatherings.
- Package them up in decorative tins or boxes to give as holiday gifts.
- Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
- Serve them alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.
- Cut them into smaller squares for a bite-sized snack.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but still cold for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different sprinkles or extracts to customize the recipe to your liking.
- For even thicker bars, use an 8×8 inch baking pan. Just be sure to increase the baking time accordingly.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
23-25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 250-300 per bar
- Protein: 2-3 grams per bar
- Sodium: 100-150 mg per bar
Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy way to bring the festive spirit of the holiday season to your kitchen. Their soft, chewy texture, combined with the colorful sprinkles and sweet frosting, makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or simply a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a new holiday tradition. The simplicity of the recipe allows for creativity and customization, making it a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels. From the delightful aroma that fills your home as they bake to the smiles they bring to those who enjoy them, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: While it’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt, you can substitute with salted butter. If you do, reduce the amount of salt added to the dry ingredients by half (reduce 1/4 teaspoon to 1/8 teaspoon). Be mindful that the overall flavor may be slightly saltier.
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The baked and frosted bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also bake the bars ahead of time, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator and then frost them.
Q3: I don’t have almond extract. Can I leave it out?
A: Yes, you can leave out the almond extract if you don’t have it or don’t care for the flavor. The vanilla extract will still provide a lovely flavor to the bars. You could also substitute the almond extract with another extract, such as lemon or orange, for a different flavor profile.
Q4: My frosting is too thick. What can I do?
A: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the frosting too thin.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?
A: Yes, you can definitely add chocolate chips to these bars! Fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate) along with the sprinkles for an extra chocolatey treat. White chocolate chips would also be a delicious addition.
