Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars: 7 Magical Holiday Delights

July 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked Christmas sugar cookie bars wafting through my home during the holidays. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the joy on everyone’s faces when they took that first bite was simply priceless! These bars are soft, sweet, and oh-so-festive, making them the perfect treat for any holiday celebration. What sets them apart is their delightful combination of buttery goodness and a hint of almond extract, which adds a lovely twist. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your home too!

christmas sugar cookie bars - detail 1

Ingredients for Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious Christmas sugar cookie bars. Trust me, each one plays a vital role in creating that soft, sweet texture you’ll love!

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation for your bars
1 teaspoon baking powder – to help them rise just right
1/2 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – for that rich, buttery flavor
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – because we want them sweet!
1 large egg – binds everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a comforting warmth
1 teaspoon almond extract – this is the secret twist that makes them special!
1/2 cup frosting (optional) – for that extra festive touch
Sprinkles (optional) – to make them sparkle and shine!

How to Prepare Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars! I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow my steps, and you’ll have a batch of these festive treats ready to impress your family and friends in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake!
While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to mix everything together.
In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks light and airy—just like holiday magic!
Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and that special almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything’s nicely combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those bars to stay soft and tender!
Now, grab your greased baking pan and spread the dough evenly in it. Don’t worry if it feels a bit thick; just use a spatula to help you out!
Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden color on top. You can do the toothpick test too—if it comes out clean, you’re golden!
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is key because you don’t want your frosting to melt all over the place!
Finally, once cooled, feel free to top them with frosting and sprinkle on some festive decorations if you like. Wow, they’re going to look amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy prep time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Festively colorful with optional frosting and sprinkles, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
Deliciously sweet flavor with a delightful hint of almond that sets them apart from regular cookies.
Great for sharing with loved ones or gifting to neighbors and friends as a sweet holiday treat.
Perfectly portioned into bars, making them easy to cut and serve.
They’re a fun and creative way to get everyone involved in the holiday baking spirit!

Tips for Success

These tips will help you make the best Christmas sugar cookie bars ever! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend together smoothly for that perfect texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher bar, and we want them soft and chewy!
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky or difficult to spread, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making spreading easier!
Frosting Options: Feel free to get creative with your frosting! You can use store-bought frosting, or whip up a quick buttercream. Experiment with flavors like peppermint or cream cheese for a fun twist!
Custom Sprinkles: Change up the sprinkles based on your theme or mood! Red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for winter, or even themed sprinkles for a birthday celebration!
Serving Size: Cut them into different sizes! For smaller gatherings, you can make bite-sized squares, while larger gatherings can enjoy bigger pieces!
Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so check on your bars a couple of minutes before the recommended time. You want them golden on top but still soft in the center!

Variations on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re anything like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! These Christmas sugar cookie bars are a fantastic base for creativity, so let’s explore some fun variations to keep things exciting!

Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist that chocolate lovers will adore!
Minty Fresh: Swap out the almond extract for peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor. You can even sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that extra festive touch!
Nutty Goodness: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to give your bars a delightful crunch and an earthy flavor.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity burst that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bars.
Citrus Zing: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for winter gatherings!
Holiday Spices: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor that screams holiday cheer!
Colorful Sprinkles: Switch up your sprinkles according to the season or occasion—think red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July or pastel colors for Easter!

These variations not only add a fun twist, but they also let you personalize your bars to suit your tastes and the preferences of your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these festive treats uniquely yours!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve made these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Storing them properly is super important, and I’ve got some simple tips to help you out!

First, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking together. This way, they stay nice and soft!

These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want them to last a little longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving, so they regain that delightful, soft texture!

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if, trust me!), you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or set them out at room temperature for a couple of hours. They’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

It’s important to remember that nutritional information can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your Christmas sugar cookie bars. While I’ve provided some general guidelines, the precise data might not always be accurate. For the most reliable information, always check the labels on your ingredients and adjust according to your preferences. Happy baking and enjoy those delicious bars!

FAQ Section on Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

Got questions about these delightful Christmas sugar cookie bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my best tips and tricks.

Can I freeze these sugar cookie bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

How should I store leftover bars?
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can use margarine if you prefer, but I find that unsalted butter gives the bars a richer flavor and better texture. If you do use margarine, just make sure it’s softened to the same consistency as butter for the best results!

What can I substitute for the almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, feel free to swap it out for an equal amount of vanilla extract, or even try a splash of coconut or hazelnut extract for a fun twist!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake them, though, as we want that soft, chewy texture!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that it contains xanthan gum or add a bit to ensure the right texture.

Is it necessary to frost the bars?
Not at all! While frosting adds a lovely touch and extra sweetness, these bars are delicious on their own. You can enjoy them plain or dust them with powdered sugar for a simple finish!

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the dough before spreading it in the baking pan. Just remember that adding more ingredients might change the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions! Happy baking, and enjoy these festive treats!

For more tips on baking, check out this baking guide from King Arthur Baking.

You might also like it

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding: 5 Creamy Comforting Steps

Baguette Recipe Ideas Desserts: 7 Sweet Creations to Savor

Christmas Raspberry Cake Roll That Will Steal Your Heart

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.