Hey y'all! If you're looking for a festive, scrumptious treat to bake with your little ones this holiday season, these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids are a total game-changer! Soft, buttery, and topped with colorful sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or a cozy family baking day. Let's get cooking and make some sweet holiday memories together!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Super easy to make, perfect for baking with kids of all ages.
- Soft, chewy bars packed with classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Ready in under 40 minutes – no rolling or cutting required!
- Festive and customizable with your favorite sprinkles or frosting colors.
- Makes a big batch, perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but delicious!)
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade – see this recipe)
- Colorful Christmas sprinkles, for topping
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Using a spatula or clean hands, evenly press the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake – you want them soft!
Step 7: Cool, Frost, and Decorate
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Spread with vanilla buttercream frosting and decorate with festive Christmas sprinkles. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes for Baking Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars With the Kids
- For perfectly even bars, use an offset spatula to smooth the dough before baking.
- Let bars cool fully before frosting to prevent melting and messy sprinkles.
- Check out these tips for baking with kids for even more fun!
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars Variations
- Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking.
- Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and swap almond extract for lemon extract.
- Frosting Swirl: Use red and green colored frosting for a festive marble effect.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Storage Instructions for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
Store frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and thaw before frosting and serving.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a mug of hot cocoa or warm apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a lighter dessert option.
- Wrap individual bars in festive cellophane bags for sweet holiday gifts.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
- Don’t overbake – the bars should just barely be golden at the edges for the softest texture.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it’s sticky, making it easier for kids to spread.
- For more holiday baking inspiration, visit Allrecipes Sugar Cookies.
FAQ: Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars You Can Bake With the Kids
- Can I make these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Bake and freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then thaw and frost before serving.
- Can I use store-bought frosting?
- Yes! Store-bought vanilla or cream cheese frosting works perfectly and saves time.
- How do I know when the bars are done?
- The edges should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean – start checking at 18 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles, plus more for topping
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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3In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
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4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
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5Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
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6For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over cooled bars and top with extra sprinkles. Cut into squares and serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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