Ingredients
– 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened (not melted) for a rich, moist base
– 1 cup sugar to sweeten and help with browning
– 1 large egg acts as a binder for the dough
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warm flavor depth
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (measured carefully without packing) provides structure
– 1 teaspoon baking powder helps the bars rise slightly
– 1/4 cup festive sprinkles for that holiday fun
– 2 cups powdered sugar for the smooth frosting
– 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened keeps the frosting creamy
– 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened adds tang to the frosting
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances the frostingβs taste
– 2 tablespoons milk for the right frosting consistency
– Additional sprinkles for topping (quantity as desired) to finish with a festive touch
Instructions
1-Baking these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars is straightforward and rewarding, turning your kitchen into a hub of holiday cheer. Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F and lining a 9Γ9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple setup ensures your bars come out perfectly every time.
2-In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until itβs light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract next, blending until smooth to create a solid base for your dough. Then, gradually mix in the flour and baking powder to form a thick dough, stirring in the sprinkles gently to keep their color bright.
3-Spread the dough evenly in the pan it might be thick, so use a spatula to press it down. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, then let it cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, blend the powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk until creamy, then spread it over the cooled bars and add extra sprinkles.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π§ Use salted butter softened to room temperature, but do not melt it for the best dough texture.
π₯ Make sure the cream cheese is softened well to avoid lumpy frosting.
π Use the spoon and scoop method to measure flour without packing to prevent dry, crumbly bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
