If you’re searching for the perfect holiday dessert that combines the classic flavor of sugar cookies with the convenience of bars, look no further! Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with festive flair. Unlike traditional drop cookies, these bars are easy to slice, perfect for gifting, and can be decorated with sprinkles, icing, or even chocolate drizzle to make them extra special.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas cookie exchange, preparing treats for Santa, or simply want a delicious holiday dessert, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
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Easy to make: No rolling, cutting, or precise shaping. Just mix, bake, and slice.
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Chewy and soft: Perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
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Customizable: Add festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, or frosting to match your holiday theme.
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Great for gifting: Slice into bars, wrap in cellophane, and they make a perfect homemade gift.
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Kid-friendly: Fun for kids to help decorate or enjoy as a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances flavor)
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1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until fully combined.
5. Mix in Sprinkles
If using festive sprinkles, gently fold them into the dough. You can also save some to sprinkle on top before baking for a more colorful appearance.
6. Spread Dough in Pan
Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Make sure the thickness is uniform so the bars bake evenly.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices.
9. Decorate (Optional)
For extra holiday flair, drizzle with icing, melted chocolate, or add additional sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
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Don’t overbake: Overbaking will make the bars dry. They should be soft in the middle.
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Room temperature butter: Ensures smooth mixing and better texture.
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Custom decorations: Try red and green sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored icing for a festive touch.
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze for longer storage.
Variations to Try
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Chocolate Chip Holiday Bars: Mix in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
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Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars: Top with a thin layer of vanilla buttercream icing.
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Almond Joy Bars: Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds for a nutty twist.
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Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes on top for a minty holiday touch.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for the Holidays
The beauty of Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their versatility. Unlike traditional cookies that require individual shaping and baking, bars are simple and foolproof. They can easily feed a crowd, are transportable for parties, and look festive without requiring hours of labor. They are also the perfect “baker’s hack” for busy holiday seasons when you want something homemade without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake them up to 3 days ahead, store in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add mix-ins?
A: Yes, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits work beautifully.
Q: How do I get the bars extra soft?
A: Don’t overbake and make sure the butter is fully softened. Cooling in the pan also helps retain softness.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
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Pair with coffee or tea for holiday brunches.
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Stack in a decorative box for gifting to friends, teachers, or neighbors.
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Cut into bite-sized squares for cookie trays or party platters.
Final Thoughts
Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are a must-have for any festive season. They are easy to make, customizable, and bring that classic sugar cookie flavor into a convenient bar form. Perfect for gifts, parties, or simply indulging yourself, these bars will quickly become a holiday favorite for your family and friends.
Baking these bars is not just about dessert—it’s about creating joyful holiday memories, sharing sweet moments, and enjoying the festive season in every bite.
